Brazil has ruled out Neymar for the World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina this month. Coach Dorival Júnior says in a video published by the Brazil Football Confederation on Friday that Neymar,

Former captain Neymar has been recalled by Brazil after an absence of almost 1 1/2 years. The 33-year-old striker has been included in the national squad by coach Dorival Junior on Thursday for World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina this month.

Without their leader and star player, Brazil have struggled in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The Seleçao currently sit fifth in the standings, seven points back of bitter rivals and leaders Argentina. Finishing sixth or better grants direct qualification for the World Cup in Conmebol, but Brazil's history demands finishing as high as possible.