São Paulo – The dream of seeing Neymar lead Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains uncertain after the veteran forward was again left out of coach Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia. The omission, announced Monday, has sparked disappointment but not resignation from the 34-year-old, who is battling to regain peak fitness after a lengthy knee injury.
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has been working his way back to full match fitness with Santos, recently contributing two goals and an assist in his last two Série A appearances. Despite this return to form, Ancelotti deemed him not yet ready for the high-stakes friendlies, which represent the final experimental window before the definitive World Cup roster is announced on May 18.
The decision underscores Ancelotti’s emphasis on players currently at 100% physical capacity. “Neymar could participate in the World Cup. If he can reach 100 percent for the World Cup, he can participate,” Ancelotti explained to reporters. “Why wasn’t he called up this time? Because he is not at 100%, and I require players at 100%. But as I said, the final list is another story. Neymar has to continue training, playing, demonstrating his qualities and being in good physical condition.”
A Disappointed But Determined Neymar
Neymar himself acknowledged his disappointment, but reaffirmed his commitment to representing Brazil. Speaking at an event related to his involvement with the Kings League Brazil, where he scored a penalty in a recent match, he stated, “Obviously, I am upset and sad not to have been selected. But I remain focused, day after day, training after training, match after match. We will reach our goal. There is still the final squad.”
The forward’s reaction, reported by O Globo, highlights his determination to prove his fitness and value to Ancelotti ahead of the final squad announcement. He understands the coach’s criteria and is prepared to work towards meeting them.
This isn’t the first time Ancelotti has overlooked Neymar since taking charge of the Seleção in May. The Italian manager has consistently prioritized players in peak condition, a strategy that has raised questions about Neymar’s place in the team. The situation is particularly sensitive given Neymar’s history with injuries, including a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee sustained in October 2023, which sidelined him for an extended period.
The upcoming schedule presents a significant challenge for Neymar. He will have ten Brazilian Série A matches, two Copa do Brasil games, and four Copa Sudamericana fixtures to demonstrate his fitness and form to Ancelotti. Each appearance will be scrutinized as he attempts to convince the coach he can contribute to Brazil’s pursuit of a sixth World Cup title.
The debate surrounding Neymar’s inclusion isn’t simply about talent. it’s about risk assessment. Ancelotti must weigh the potential benefits of having a player of Neymar’s caliber against the risk of selecting someone who isn’t fully fit and could be vulnerable to further injury during the tournament. This is a calculation that will undoubtedly weigh heavily on his mind in the coming months.
For Brazilian fans, the situation is fraught with emotion. Neymar remains a beloved figure, and his absence from the national team is keenly felt. The hope remains that he can recapture his best form and lead the Seleção to glory on the world stage. However, the clock is ticking, and the pressure is mounting.
The upcoming friendlies against France, on March 26 in Boston, and Croatia, on March 31 in Orlando, will provide valuable opportunities for other players to stake their claim for a place in the final World Cup squad. Ancelotti will be looking for performances that demonstrate both quality and, crucially, physical resilience.
Endrick, who has impressed since joining Lyon, has been included in the squad for the first time under Ancelotti, signaling the coach’s willingness to integrate emerging talent. Igor Thiago of Brentford has also earned his first call-up, adding further competition for places.
The situation with Neymar serves as a stark reminder of the physical demands of modern football and the challenges faced by players returning from serious injuries. It also highlights the difficult decisions that coaches must make when balancing individual brilliance with team needs and overall fitness levels.
The final squad announcement on May 18 will be a pivotal moment for Neymar and for Brazilian football. Until then, all eyes will be on his performances for Santos as he fights to prove he is worthy of a place in the team that will represent Brazil at the 2026 World Cup.
Next Up: Brazil will face France on March 26 in Boston, followed by a match against Croatia on March 31 in Orlando. These friendlies will be crucial for Ancelotti to assess his options ahead of the final World Cup squad announcement on May 18.
What do you think? Can Neymar regain his form in time for the World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
