Why is Neymar not playing in Brazil vs Chile FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match?
Why is Neymar not playing in Brazil vs Chile FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match?
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti will look to learn more about his side ahead of the FIFA World Cup next year when his side takes on Chile in their qualifying round match at the Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Thursday.
Brazil is third in the CONMEBOL standings and has already qualified for the tournament to be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer.
Ancelotti named a 23-man squad for the match against Chile and the following fixture against Bolivia, but notably left out stars Neymar Jr and Vinicius Jr.
Neymar has not played a match for Brazil since October 2023, when he suffered serious knee ligament injuries that have plagued his comeback attempts.
Despite featuring for Brazilian club Santos recently, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain striker was omitted from the national squad due to a minor leg muscle injury sustained during the 0-6 loss against Vasco da Gama in August.
Published on Sep 05, 2025
