Ancelotti Prioritizes Fitness as Neymar Faces World Cup Doubt

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief | March 17, 2026

Boston, MA – Brazil’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are underway, but the status of veteran forward Neymar remains uncertain. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has emphasized the importance of player fitness as he announced his 26-man squad for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, leaving the iconic number 10 off the roster. Meanwhile, young forward Endrick earns a call-up, potentially setting the stage for his debut against Les Bleus at Boston’s Gillette Stadium on March 26th.

The looming World Cup, scheduled for June 11th to July 19th, has heightened scrutiny on Ancelotti’s squad selections. Neymar, currently playing for Santos, is working his way back to full fitness following a ligament injury sustained in October 2023. The 34-year-old has expressed his desire to participate in what could be his final World Cup, but Ancelotti is taking a pragmatic approach.

Ancelotti’s Condition for Neymar’s Inclusion

“My priority for this call-up is to have players physically at 100%,” Ancelotti stated, according to reports. “We are going to play two important matches in a short period of time, so I want players at their peak.” This emphasis on physical condition is a clear signal that Neymar’s place in the final World Cup squad is not guaranteed.

Ancelotti further clarified his evaluation process, stating, “I am making a physical assessment, not a technical one. Neymar is very comfortable with the ball. But he needs to improve physically. He is not at 100% of his potential.” The coach indicated that a more definitive assessment will be possible in May, when the team will have a longer period to evaluate players. “On May 18th, it will be different due to the fact that, if all goes well, we will remain together for 40 days. If the player is not at 100% on the day of the call-up, it will be less serious,” he added.

This cautious approach reflects the challenges of integrating a player returning from a significant injury into a demanding tournament environment. The Brazilian coaching staff is carefully monitoring Neymar’s progress, balancing his undeniable talent with the need for players who can consistently perform at the highest level.

Endrick Earns Opportunity, Squad Overview

While Neymar is absent, the inclusion of Endrick marks a significant moment for the young forward. Currently on loan at Lyon from Palmeiras, Endrick has shown promising form, and Ancelotti is keen to assess his potential within the national team setup. The friendly against France provides a high-profile opportunity for the 17-year-old to showcase his skills on an international stage.

The full 26-man squad announced by Ancelotti includes a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents. Goalkeepers Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), and Ederson (Fenerbahçe) provide a solid foundation in net. The defensive line features familiar faces like Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), and Marquinhos (PSG), alongside younger options. The midfield boasts a mix of power and creativity with Casemiro (Manchester United) and Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray) among those selected. Alongside Endrick, the attacking options include Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid) and Raphinha (FC Barcelona).

France Prepares for Brazil Clash, Deschamps to Name Squad

Brazil’s upcoming friendlies will serve as crucial preparation for the World Cup. They will face France on March 26th in Boston, followed by a match against Croatia on April 1st. These matches will allow Ancelotti to experiment with different formations and assess the form of his players against top European opposition.

Meanwhile, France is as well preparing for these high-profile friendlies. Didier Deschamps is expected to announce his squad on Thursday, March 19th. Kylian Mbappé is anticipated to return to the Real Madrid lineup on Tuesday evening against Manchester City in the Champions League, and is expected to be included in Deschamps’ squad for the US trip. Following the Brazil and Colombia matches (March 29th in Washington D.C.), France will face Côte d’Ivoire on June 4th in Nantes.

Brazil’s 26-man squad:

• Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahçe)
• Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenith Saint-Petersbourg), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al-Ahly), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (AS Rome)
• Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)
• Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Enrique (Zenith Saint-Petersbourg), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (FC Barcelone), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)

The coming months will be critical for Neymar as he strives to prove his fitness and earn a place in Ancelotti’s final World Cup squad. The pressure is on for the Brazilian superstar to demonstrate he can contribute at the highest level, while Ancelotti must balance loyalty to experienced players with the need for a fully fit and prepared team.

The next key date for Brazil fans will be May 18th, when Ancelotti is expected to provide a more definitive update on Neymar’s status. Until then, the focus will remain on the upcoming friendlies and the ongoing evaluation of players across the globe.

What are your thoughts on Ancelotti’s decision? Share your opinions in the comments below!