FIFA International Day March 2026: Endrick recalled, Neymar still absent, Brazil squad for matches against France and Croatia

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, Carlo Ancelotti is sharpening the final contours of his squad. The Brazil head coach has unveiled an expanded list for the friendly matches scheduled against France (March 26) and Croatia (April 1), two prestigious tests before the world championship.

For these final adjustments, the Italian coach must cope with several notable absences. Suffering a torn ACL, Rodrygo is out for the World Cup and obviously not in this squad. Other senior players such as Bruno Guimarães, Éder Militão, Vanderson, or Estevão Willian are also missing for this gathering.

The main novelty concerns Endrick’s return. The 19-year-old forward, currently in great form with Olympique Lyonnais, re-joins the Seleção after convincing performances at club level. Another notable fact is Igor Thiago’s first call-up, very effective this season with Brentford FC. On the other hand, Neymar was not retained despite a gradual return to competition with Santos FC. Around the core players such as Vinícius Júnior, Marquinhos, Raphinha or Casemiro, Brazil now hopes to show a convincing face in these two prestige fixtures, the final dress rehearsals before the planet’s grand rendezvous.

The Brazil squad

Goalkeepers

• Alisson (Liverpool)
• Bento (Al Nassr)
• Ederson (Fenerbahçe)

Defenders

• Danilo (Flamengo)
• Bremer (Juventus)
• Alex Sandro (Flamengo)
• Douglas Santos (Zenit)
• Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)
• Ibanez (Al-Ahli)
• Léo Pereira (Flamengo)
• Wesley (AS Roma)
• Marquinhos (PSG)

Midfielders

• Andrey Santos (Chelsea)
• Danilo (Botafogo)
• Casemiro (Manchester United)
• Fabinho (Al-Ittihad)
• Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)

Forwards

• Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
• Endrick (Olympique Lyonnais)
• Igor Thiago (Brentford)
• Luiz Henrique (Zenit)
• João Pedro (Chelsea)
• Rayan (Bournemouth)
• Matheus Cunha (Manchester United)
• Raphinha (FC Barcelona)
• Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)