Even with one pending game – the controversial match against Argentina at home, Brazil are comfortably atop the standings of the South American Qualifiers. Besides, Tite‘s men have already accomplished the ultimate goal which is to seal a place in Qatar 2022.
La Verdeamarela got off to a strong start to their campaign, winning 11 games and dropping points just twice (D2). And they still have five matches to go to extend their unbeaten streak in the road to the World Cup.
Coming up next for them are a trip to Ecuador and a home game against Paraguay. However, their strength will be tested in both of these matches as PSG superstar Neymar is not part of the squad.
The reason why Neymar won’t play for Brazil in January and February
The Brazilian winger will stay in Paris after the national team and the French club reached an agreement to not force him to play the upcoming games. Neymar was not called up because he is still recovering from an ankle injury.
In late November last year, he received a scary knock that forced him off the Ligue 1 clash against Saint-Etienne and he’s been on the sidelines since then. Brazil don’t have much to lose in this window, so they decided it was not necessary to risk him.
Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Managing Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of multiple sports, including NFL and soccer, with a specialty in original content and real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Managing Editor since May 2025, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis with interviews and exclusive content.
