Corinthians goalkeeper Hugo Souza has been selected to join Brazil’s squad for FIFA World Cup warm-up matches against France and Croatia in the United States. Souza, 27, replaces Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, who sustained an injury during a recent game. Souza, who started his career at Flamengo and later moved to Corinthians in 2025, made his international debut in Brazil’s friendly against Japan last October.
Brazil is scheduled to play against France in Boston on March 26 and Croatia in Orlando five days later. The team will kick off its World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13, followed by matches against Haiti on June 19 and Scotland on June 24 in Group C. Meanwhile, Neymar, the star forward, was not included in the squad for the upcoming friendlies as coach Carlo Ancelotti continues preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar’s absence is due to muscle fatigue, which caused him to miss a recent game for Santos FC. Neymar, Brazil’s top scorer with 79 goals, has been struggling with injuries since 2023. Ancelotti has also called up 19-year-old Endrick and included Brentford’s Igor Thiago in the squad to enhance attacking options. Brazil will have another friendly against Egypt in June before starting their World Cup campaign.
