SAO PAULO – Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear: Neymar must be fully fit to earn a spot on the Seleção’s roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The veteran forward’s inclusion isn’t automatic, despite recent promising performances for Santos, and hinges entirely on his physical condition as the tournament approaches.
Neymar was notably absent from Ancelotti’s squad for the upcoming international friendlies against France and Croatia in the United States. These matches represent a crucial opportunity for players to impress the Italian coach ahead of the summer tournament, but the 34-year-old was deemed not ready for selection. This continues a pattern since Ancelotti took the helm of the Brazilian national team in mid-2025, where Neymar has been frequently sidelined due to injury or strategic decisions.
The situation underscores the high standards Ancelotti is setting for his squad. Brazil, under Ancelotti, is aiming for a more reliable and consistent performance than in recent years, and the coach is prioritizing players who are at peak physical condition. For many fans, the question of Neymar’s place in the squad has been a source of debate, given his iconic status and undeniable talent. However, Ancelotti’s approach appears to be firmly rooted in pragmatism.
“He will be at the World Cup 2026 if he is 100 percent fit. He must be fit 100 percent,” Ancelotti stated firmly, as reported by Tribuna. This isn’t a closed door, but it’s a incredibly specific condition. Ancelotti believes Neymar is capable of reaching that level, acknowledging the forward’s recent form with Santos, where he has two goals and one assist in his last two appearances.
However, Ancelotti emphasized the require for consistent performance and full recovery. “We need players who are in the best condition. Neymar must continue to fight to recover, work, and demonstrate his qualities on the field. The most important thing is that he recovers,” he added. This message is a clear challenge to Neymar to prove his fitness and earn his place in the squad.
The decision to overlook Neymar, even while acknowledging his recent contributions, highlights Ancelotti’s willingness to develop difficult choices. Reports indicate that Ancelotti has already solidified 18 of the 26 spots for the World Cup, and Neymar is not currently among them. This suggests a significant shift in the team’s dynamics and a focus on building a cohesive unit based on current form and fitness. It’s a departure from previous cycles where star power often trumped all other considerations.
Neymar’s recovery from a knee injury, sustained in December 2023, has been closely monitored. While his return to the field has been encouraging, Ancelotti is not willing to risk including a player who isn’t at his absolute best. The coach’s stance is understandable given the high stakes of the World Cup and the need for a fully prepared team.
The upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia will be crucial for other players vying for a spot in the final squad. Ancelotti will be looking for players who can demonstrate their ability to perform under pressure and contribute to the team’s overall strategy. These matches will provide a valuable opportunity to assess the team’s strengths and weaknesses before the tournament begins.
For Neymar, the focus now is on regaining full fitness and proving to Ancelotti that he deserves a place in the squad. His performances for Santos will be under intense scrutiny, and he will need to consistently deliver strong performances to convince the coach that he is ready for the challenges of the World Cup. The clock is ticking, with less than four months remaining before the tournament kicks off in North America.
The situation also raises questions about the future of Brazilian football and the role of its iconic players. Neymar’s career has been marked by both brilliance and injury, and his ability to stay fit and perform at his best will be crucial to his chances of featuring in the World Cup. Ancelotti’s decision reflects a broader trend in modern football, where coaches are increasingly prioritizing fitness and tactical discipline over individual star power.
Brazil’s World Cup campaign will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched tournaments of the summer. With Ancelotti at the helm, the team is aiming to restore its reputation as a global football powerhouse. Whether Neymar will be a part of that journey remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: he will need to be at his very best to earn a place in the squad.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the Brazilian national team is their friendly match against France on March 23rd, followed by a match against Croatia on March 26th. These matches will provide further insight into Ancelotti’s plans and the players he is considering for the World Cup. Fans can follow official updates and team news through the Brazilian Football Confederation’s website and social media channels.
