Brazil Snubs Richarlison and João Pedro, Keeps Neymar for 2026 World Cup
Brazil’s latest squad announcement has sparked immediate debate—and for good reason.
When head coach Dorival Júnior named his 23-man squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers, the expectation was tough decisions. What followed was something more controversial: the omission of in-form Premier League attackers and the return of a recovering superstar.
Richarlison and João Pedro are out. Neymar is back.
This is not a low-stakes experiment. These qualifiers will define Brazil’s path to 2026—and Dorival is making it clear who fits his vision.
The Two Premier League Omissions
Why Richarlison Missed Out
Richarlison’s absence carries emotional weight.
He was central to Brazil’s 2022 World Cup campaign, delivering key moments and embodying the team’s intensity. But sentiment doesn’t win selections.
The current reality:
- Ongoing injury issues have disrupted his rhythm
- Limited playing time at Tottenham Hotspur
- Goal output below competing options
Dorival’s stance is straightforward: form over history.
“I am looking at the present, not the past,” he said—effectively closing the door on reputation-based selection.
João Pedro’s Surprising Snub
If Richarlison’s omission is explainable, João Pedro’s is harder to justify.
The Brighton & Hove Albion forward has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent attacking performers this season.
His case:
- Strong goal and assist numbers
- Tactical versatility across multiple attacking roles
- Peak age and rising confidence
On paper, he fits exactly what Dorival claims to value. His absence suggests something deeper than raw performance is driving selections—possibly system fit or internal hierarchy.
The Neymar Decision: Calculated Risk
Neymar’s return is the defining storyline.
At 32, and coming off a serious ACL injury, his inclusion raises legitimate concerns. He has played limited competitive football since the injury and is currently with Al-Hilal.
Dorival’s reasoning is clear:
- Neymar remains Brazil’s most creative player
- His vision and playmaking are unmatched
- Reintegration must happen before 2026
But the risks are equally clear:
- Physical readiness is uncertain
- It may undermine merit-based selection
- It limits opportunities for in-form players
Even at reduced fitness, Neymar can change games. The question is whether that upside outweighs the risk.
Dorival’s Tactical Priorities
To understand the squad, you have to understand the coach.
Dorival Júnior favors structure over flair. His teams are disciplined, organized, and tactically balanced. He values players who:
- Press intelligently
- Maintain positional discipline
- Adapt to system demands
This explains why some high-profile attackers are missing. The focus is on cohesion, not just individual brilliance.
A New-Look Forward Line
Without Richarlison and João Pedro, Brazil’s attack shifts.
Key selections include:
- Vinícius Júnior – elite pace and directness
- Rodrygo – versatility and composure
- Raphinha – returning to form
- Endrick – high-upside teenage talent
Endrick’s inclusion is particularly telling. At just 17, he represents future potential over proven output—an indication that Dorival is planning beyond immediate results.
Midfield and Defense: Stability Over Headlines
While the attack draws attention, the rest of the squad is more predictable.
Midfield Core
- Bruno Guimarães – tempo control
- Joelinton – physical presence
- Casemiro – experience and leadership
- André – emerging talent
Defensive Unit
- Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães anchor the backline
- Danilo provides versatility
- Yan Couto adds depth at right-back
The emphasis is clear: defensive reliability remains a cornerstone.
What This Means for 2026
This squad sends a strong message.
Dorival is not managing for public approval—he is building a system. That comes with risks:
- Neymar’s fitness could become a liability
- Goal production may suffer without in-form strikers
- Young players face high-pressure environments
But there is also upside:
- A more balanced, cohesive squad
- Key players entering their prime
- Long-term integration of emerging talent
Brazil’s challenge has never been talent—it’s cohesion. That is what Dorival is trying to solve.
Final Verdict
Richarlison and João Pedro have strong arguments for inclusion. Their club performances justify it.
But international football is not purely merit-based. It is shaped by timing, tactical fit, and managerial trust.
Dorival Júnior has made his stance clear:
he values structure, familiarity, and long-term planning over short-term form.
Whether that approach succeeds will be decided on the pitch.
For the omitted players, the path is simple—keep performing and wait for the next call.
For Brazil, the message is just as clear:
the Neymar era is not over, and this new chapter will be written on Dorival’s terms.
