For the Brazil squad, the road to qualification has been anything but smooth. It has been four months since the Selecao last took the field in qualifiers, settling for disappointing draws against Venezuela and Uruguay.
Those results saw them slip to fifth place in the CONMEBOL standings, raising concerns about their form as they navigate this demanding campaign. With expectations always sky-high, Brazil will be determined to reclaim their dominance and secure much-needed points.
Adding to the excitement, Neymar returns to the national team after nearly a year and a half away due to a series of injuries. The superstar forward, a pivotal figure in Brazil’s attack, will be eager to make an impact and help steer his country back on track. His presence alone adds a layer of intrigue to these critical matchups, as fans eagerly anticipate his performance on the international stage again.
Brazil Squad for March 2025 World Cup Qualifiers: Full Roster and Key Updates
On March 6, Brazil head coach Dorival Junior unveiled a 23-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. With crucial points on the line, the Selecao will seek to regain momentum in their CONMEBOL campaign. These matchups are highly anticipated not just for fans but also for those involved in soccer betting, as Brazil looks to bounce back from recent struggles.
The headline news is the long-awaited return of Neymar, who has been sidelined for 17 months due to multiple injuries. Now back in action with Brazilian club Santos, the superstar forward has earned his place in the squad again, aiming to add to his impressive tally of 128 international caps. His presence will significantly boost Brazil’s attacking options as they prepare for these high-stakes matchups.
However, the squad also sees some notable absences. Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, Tottenham striker Richarlison, Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, and West Ham playmaker Lucas Paquetá have all been left out of the selection. In defence, Brazil will have to cope without Eder Militão and Bremer, who remain sidelined as they recover from ACL injuries.
With a mix of returning stars and fresh faces, Brazil’s squad selection reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent. As the Selecao prepares for these crucial encounters, all eyes will be on how this group comes together to reignite their World Cup qualification campaign.
Meet the Squad
Brazil’s 23-man squad for the March 2025 World Cup qualifiers features a mix of experienced veterans and rising stars, with key players from top clubs across Europe and South America. Neymar’s return headlines the roster, while notable absences include Casemiro, Richarlison, and Lucas Paquetá. Below is the full squad selected by head coach Dorival Junior:
Goalkeepers
- Alisson (Liverpool, ENG) – 71 caps
- Bento (Al Nassr, KSA) – 2 caps
- Ederson (Manchester City, ENG) – 29 caps
Defenders
- Guilherme Arana (Atlético Mineiro, BRA) – 11 caps
- Danilo (Flamengo, BRA) – 65 caps
- Gabriel (Arsenal, ENG) – 13 caps
- Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA) – 95 caps
- Murillo (Nottingham Forest, ENG) – 0 caps
- Léo Ortiz (Flamengo, BRA) – 0 caps
- Vanderson (Monaco, FRA) – 4 caps
- Wesley (Flamengo, BRA) – 0 caps
Midfielders
- André (Wolves, ENG) – 10 caps
- Estêvão (Palmeiras, BRA) – 4 caps
- Gerson (Flamengo, BRA) – 11 caps
- Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle, ENG) – 32 caps
- Joelinton (Newcastle, ENG) – 5 caps
- Neymar (Santos, BRA) – 128 caps
Forwards
- João Pedro (Brighton, ENG) – 2 caps
- Raphinha (Barcelona, ESP) – 31 caps
- Rodrygo (Real Madrid, ESP) – 31 caps
- Savinho (Manchester City, ENG) – 11 caps
- Vinícius Jr. (Real Madrid, ESP) – 37 caps
- Matheus Cunha (Wolves, ENG) – 11 caps
With a mix of youth and experience, Brazil will look to secure vital points against Colombia and Argentina as it continues its journey toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Neymar Returns After 17-Month Absence
After a prolonged spell on the sidelines, Brazilian superstar Neymar is officially back in international action. Head coach Dorival Junior has included the forward in Brazil’s squad for the first time since he suffered an ACL tear against Uruguay in October 2023.
The injury and a subsequent muscle issue during his recovery kept Neymar away from the national team for 17 months. He faced a challenging rehabilitation process, forcing him to miss crucial qualifiers and club action.
In a major career move, Neymar left Saudi club Al Hilal and returned to his roots, rejoining Santos, the club where he first made a name for himself. The decision has paid off, as the 32-year-old has gradually regained match fitness and form, scoring three goals and providing three assists in just seven league matches since his comeback.
Now back in the Brazil squad, Neymar will be eager to make an impact as the Seleção push forward in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. His experience, creativity, and goal-scoring ability could be a game-changer as Brazil faces tough tests against Colombia and Argentina.
Final Words
As Brazil gears up for these pivotal World Cup qualifiers, the pressure is on for the Selecão to turn their campaign around. Slipping to fifth in the CONMEBOL standings has raised concerns, but Neymar’s return injects a renewed sense of optimism and firepower into the squad. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, Dorival Junior’s side has the potential to reclaim its dominance on the international stage.
The upcoming clash against Colombia and Argentina will be a true test of Brazil’s resilience and ability to compete at the highest level. While the absence of key players like Casemiro, Richarlison, and Militão presents challenges, the depth of talent in the squad provides ample opportunities for others to step up.
Neymar’s return is undoubtedly a huge boost for Brazil, but it’s hard to ignore the glaring absences of Casemiro, Richarlison, and Militão. While Neymar’s creativity and leadership are crucial, the lack of experienced players in key positions could leave Brazil vulnerable, especially against high-caliber opponents like Colombia and Argentina. The squad has depth, but will it translate into the resilience needed to climb back up the CONMEBOL standings? This campaign feels like a defining moment for Dorival Junior’s tenure. Thoughts?