Eder Militao
April 2026
Eder Militao has been ruled out of the upcoming World Cup after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury, with surgery now required, ending his season and international hopes. Medical assessments confirmed the injury involves a reopened scar tissue issue, forcing surgical intervention. The setback removes a key defensive figure for both Real Madrid and Brazil during a critical period.
Carlo Ancelotti
April 2026
Carlo Ancelotti is close to extending his Brazil contract through the 2030 World Cup, with ESPN Brasil reporting that the agreement is effectively done pending signature. The extension has not been officially announced yet, but the direction now looks clear. ESPN Brasil reported that contract details were finalised and sent to Ancelotti, with salary terms unchanged at €10 million per year. The deal is expected to be signed digitally, and Brazilian federation sources are treating the remaining legal review as a formality.
Neymar
April 2026
Neymar underwent a knee procedure during the international break as part of Santos’ effort to manage his fitness before the final months leading into the World Cup. Current reporting points to a regenerative treatment rather than a major new long-term surgery.
Report previously confirmed Neymar had arthroscopic knee surgery in December 2025 for a meniscus issue. The newer report says Santos coach Cuca revealed Neymar then had a PRP-style regenerative procedure during this break and had not trained, which suggests a maintenance treatment on the same problem area rather than a separate full surgery.
Kylian Mbappe, Hugo Ekitike
March 2026
France beat Brazil 2-1 in Foxborough, with Kylian Mbappe opening the scoring and Hugo Ekitike adding the second. The win came despite France going down to 10 men, giving them a strong result against elite opposition ahead of the World Cup. Reuters reported Mbappe scored in the 32nd minute and Ekitike made it 2-0 after Dayot Upamecano had been sent off early in the second half. Brazil pulled one back through Gleison Bremer, but France held on and Mbappe moved to within one goal of Olivier Giroud’s national scoring record.
William Saliba
March 2026
William Saliba has withdrawn from the France squad because of recurring pain in his left ankle, forcing him out of the upcoming friendlies in the United States. Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix has been called up as his replacement for a first senior international selection. Saliba played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final defeat before the French federation decided the issue required treatment and at least 10 days of rest. Lacroix’s call-up rewards a strong club season and gives France a fresh defensive option before the World Cup.
Neymar
March 2026
Carlo Ancelotti has left Neymar out of Brazil’s latest squad, saying the forward is not yet physically ready despite his return to action with Santos. The coach stressed that selection was based on fitness levels, not technical quality or long-term World Cup potential. Neymar recently played 90 minutes after a lengthy recovery from knee surgery, but Ancelotti said he and his staff do not believe the forward is at 100 percent yet. Brazil want fully fit players for the upcoming friendlies, while still leaving open the chance of Neymar making the World Cup squad later.
Neymar
March 2026
Neymar made the preliminary squad but is being load-managed and will miss a league game, leaving limited chances to show readiness before final selection. Endrick is also included after strong early form at Lyon. Ancelotti and CBF leadership plan to watch Santos in person, raising the stakes for Neymar’s final audition match.
Jesse Lingard
February 2026
Jesse Lingard is reportedly close to a move to Corinthians on a one-year deal, with an agreement on finances said to be in place. Reports claim negotiations are advanced and would reunite Lingard with Depay, his former Manchester United team-mate, as Lingard looks for a new club after exiting South Korea.
Neymar
February 2026
Neymar returned from injury and played 90 minutes, but drew criticism for under-par form and being blamed for the opening goal as Santos were knocked out by a Serie B opponent. Critics argue his current role disrupts the team’s structure and want him to adapt, while Vojvoda publicly backed his fitness, confidence, and gradual improvement as Neymar targets a Brazil recall for the 2026 World Cup.
