Neymar kept in Brazil preliminary squad but faces final audition

Neymar has been named in Brazil’s expansive preliminary squad for friendlies against France and Croatia in late March, giving the Santos forward a lifeline ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He will miss Santos’ next Brasileirao game against Mirassol for load control, and with Carlo Ancelotti and CBF director Rodrigo Caetano set to attend, Neymar has one domestic match — against Corinthians — to prove his fitness and secure a final call-up.

Teenage forward Endrick also makes the list after his January move to Olympique Lyonnais. In 10 appearances for Lyon he has five goals and three assists, strengthening his chances of making the final squad and adding youthful energy to Brazil’s attack. Juventus centre-back Bremer returns to the extended pre-list following recovery from a ruptured left ACL in October 2024 and subsequent meniscus surgery, and is now a regular starter and emerging leader in Turin.

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