Brazil is set to play Ecuador in a FIFA World Cup 2026 CONMEBOL qualifier at the Banco Pichincha Monumental Stadium on Thursday (Friday, according to IST).
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With the starting lineups out for both teams, Brazilian star Neymar is a big name missing from the Selecao line-up.
Why is Neymar not playing?
The reason Neymar is not playing for Brazil in its World Cup qualifier against Ecuador is that he was not named in the squad by new head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Striker Neymar, who is still struggling to return from injury, was not picked. He returned to Santos only last week from a muscular injury, and that was too late for the new coach.
Neymar has scored 79 goals in 128 appearances for Brazil, with his last international match being a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October last year, when he suffered an ACL injury.
