Santos, Brazil – Neymar has publicly expressed his desire to return to the Brazilian national team and compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The 34-year-old forward made the statement following a 1-1 draw with Corinthians on Sunday, delivering what some are calling a clear message to Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti.
Neymar, currently playing for Santos, delivered a strong performance in the match against Corinthians. After the final whistle, he addressed broadcasters directly, stating, “Évidemment, mon désir est de retourner dans l’équipe nationale, de jouer une Coupe du monde, mais cela ne dépend pas de moi. C’est au staff technique de choisir, et évidemment, que je sois là ou non, je soutiendrai toujours l’équipe nationale” – translated as, “Obviously, my desire is to return to the national team, to play a World Cup, but that doesn’t depend on me. It’s up to the technical staff to choose, and obviously, whether I’m there or not, I will always support the national team.”
The statement comes as Ancelotti prepares to name his squad for upcoming international friendlies, crucial preparation ahead of the expanded 2026 World Cup tournament. The competition will feature 48 teams, a significant increase from the traditional 32, adding another layer of complexity to squad selection. Neymar’s performance and public appeal are clearly aimed at influencing the coach’s decision.
While Neymar’s recent form with Santos has been noted, his inclusion isn’t guaranteed. According to reports, Ancelotti and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) director Rodrigo Caetano will be in attendance at Santos’ upcoming Brasileirão clash against Corinthians. This provides Neymar with one final opportunity to impress the coach directly before the squad is finalized. He will, however, be rested for the match against Mirassol due to “load control,” a decision made to manage his fitness levels ahead of potential national team duty.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between a player’s ambition and a coach’s strategic vision. Ancelotti, known for his tactical acumen and experience managing elite players, will demand to weigh Neymar’s potential contribution against the needs of the team and the form of other contenders. The coach has a wealth of attacking options at his disposal, including rising stars like Endrick, who has quickly adapted to life in French football with Olympique Lyonnais.
Endrick’s inclusion in the preliminary squad, as reported on March 9, 2026, underscores Ancelotti’s commitment to integrating young talent into the national team. The 18-year-old forward has already scored five goals and provided three assists in just 10 appearances for Lyon, making a compelling case for a place in the final World Cup roster. His emergence provides a dynamic attacking option and adds a different dimension to the Brazilian attack.
Defensively, Juventus defender Bremer has as well been included in the expansive pre-list, signaling Ancelotti’s intention to assess all available options. The preliminary squad reportedly contains over 50 names, reflecting the depth of talent within Brazilian football and the competitive nature of the selection process.
Neymar’s career has been marked by both brilliance and injury setbacks. His desire to represent Brazil at another World Cup is a testament to his passion for the game and his commitment to his country. Whether Ancelotti will deem his fitness and form sufficient to warrant a place in the squad remains to be seen. The coming weeks will be crucial as Neymar attempts to convince the coach that he still has a vital role to play in Brazil’s quest for World Cup glory.
The 2026 World Cup promises to be a landmark event, with the expanded format and the unique hosting arrangement across three nations. Brazil, historically a dominant force in international football, will be aiming to add to its record five World Cup titles. Neymar’s potential inclusion would undoubtedly add star power and experience to the squad, but the decision rests with Carlo Ancelotti.
Brazil’s next confirmed match is a friendly against France and Croatia in late March, providing a crucial opportunity for players to showcase their abilities and stake their claim for a place in the final World Cup squad. Fans will be watching closely to see if Neymar can seize this opportunity and fulfill his dream of competing on the world’s biggest stage once again.
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