Daijiworld Media Network - Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, Mar 21: Brazil national football team have included goalkeeper Hugo Souza in their squad for upcoming international friendlies against France national football team and Croatia national football team in the United States.

The 27-year-old replaces Alisson Becker, who sustained an unspecified injury during Liverpool FC’s 4-0 victory over Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash earlier this week.

Souza, who started his professional journey with Flamengo and moved to Corinthians in 2025, made his international debut in a friendly against Japan national football team last October.

Brazil are scheduled to face France in Boston on March 26, followed by a match against Croatia in Orlando five days later, as part of their preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.

In Group C of the tournament, Brazil will open their campaign against Morocco national football team on June 13, before taking on Haiti national football team and Scotland national football team.

Meanwhile, star forward Neymar has been left out of the squad by head coach Carlo Ancelotti. The decision follows Neymar’s recent absence from a match for Santos FC due to muscle fatigue, which prevented the coach from assessing him during a scouting visit.

Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, Neymar has not featured for the national side since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023 and has faced challenges in regaining consistent match fitness since returning to Santos.

Speaking recently, Neymar expressed disappointment over his omission but remained optimistic about his future, stating that he continues to focus on training and working towards his goals.

As part of a broader squad refresh, Ancelotti has also recalled teenage forward Endrick and handed a first senior call-up to Igor Thiago of Brentford FC.

Brazil are also expected to play a friendly against Egypt national football team in June before kicking off their World Cup campaign.