igor thiago has been named in Brazil’s latest squad for March’s international friendlies, earning his first senior call-up under head coach Carlo Ancelotti. The selection was confirmed ahead of Brazil’s final camp before the 2026 World Cup, with matches set in the United States against France and Croatia. Neymar is not included, while Endrick returns to the group for the first time since Ancelotti’s appointment last summer.
Squad announcement: first-time picks, key omissions, and Endrick’s return
Brazil will face France at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on March 26 (ET), then Croatia at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on April 1 (ET), with the squad based in Orlando for the camp. The March window is described as Brazil’s final camp before the 2026 World Cup.
Ancelotti’s 26-player selection includes four first-time senior call-ups: Brentford striker Igor Thiago, Bournemouth striker Rayan, Flamengo defender Leo Pereira, and Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara. Endrick, currently on loan at Lyon after joining in January, is back in the squad and is set for his first call-up since Ancelotti took the job last summer.
There is no place for Santos forward Neymar, and midfielder Lucas Paqueta is also left out after moving to Flamengo from West Ham United in January. The group also has injury-related absences noted elsewhere, with Rodrygo and Eder Militao missing out through injuries, and Rodrygo ruled out of the World Cup after rupturing his ACL last month.
Why igor thiago is in: scoring form and a breakthrough season
igor thiago, 24, arrives in the national team picture after a standout club season. He is the Premier League’s second top-scorer this season with 18 goals in 29 appearances for Brentford. The call-up is his first at any level of international football, having not played youth football for Brazil.
Thiago joined Brentford from Club Brugge in the summer of 2024 for an initial €33 million fee. After injury impacted his debut Premier League season, he has enjoyed what is described as a breakthrough campaign this term, forcing his way into Ancelotti’s plans for March.
Rayan, 19, is another new attacking option in the squad. He signed for Bournemouth from Vasco de Gama in January for €28. 5 million and has scored twice in seven Premier League appearances. Leo Pereira and Gabriel Sara also enter the senior group for the first time, with both having featured for Brazil at youth level.
Immediate reactions: Neymar’s message and what the camp sets up
Neymar, 34, last played for Brazil in 2023 and missed the first 10 matches of this season after undergoing arthroscopy surgery on his left knee in December. He has made four appearances for Santos this term, with two goals and two assists, after rejoining the club from Al Hilal in January 2025.
Speaking to reporters after a 1-1 draw with Corinthians, Neymar said he remains focused on returning to the national team and playing in the World Cup: “I wish to go back to the national team and play in the World Cup, but that’s not up to me, ” he said. “Whether I am there or not, I will always cheer for Brazil. ”
For Ancelotti, the March friendlies offer a clear test-run in the United States before later tune-ups. After France (March 26 ET) and Croatia (April 1 ET), Brazil also have friendlies against Panama and Egypt scheduled for the end of May and early June in the lead up to the World Cup, which begins June 11. Brazil are in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland—meaning every selection decision now, including the rise of igor thiago, lands under immediate pressure and scrutiny.
