FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The chants echoed through Gillette Stadium on Thursday night as Brazil faced France in a friendly match. Despite being absent from the Seleção’s squad for the March international window, the name of Neymar reverberated around the stands, a clear message to coach Carlo Ancelotti: Brazil wants its star player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The question of Neymar’s participation remains a central talking point as the tournament approaches, and Ancelotti is facing increasing scrutiny over his assessment of the forward’s fitness.
As Brazil struggled against Les Bleus, falling behind 2-0 during the match, the Brazilian supporters in attendance launched into a chorus of “Olé, olé, olé, Neymar, Neymar.” It was a powerful display of support for a player who has 128 caps and 79 goals for his country, a testament to his enduring popularity and importance to the national team. The display underscored the fervent hope that Neymar can still contribute to Brazil’s World Cup ambitions.
“It’s a Physical Evaluation”
Inevitably, the topic of Neymar’s potential inclusion in the World Cup squad resurfaced during Ancelotti’s post-match press conference. The Italian manager addressed the issue directly, justifying his decision to leave the forward out of the current squad and outlining what Neymar needs to do to earn a place on the final roster. “It’s a physical evaluation, not a technical one,” Ancelotti explained. “With the ball, Neymar is doing very well; he needs to improve physically. In the eyes of the staff and mine, he isn’t playing at 100% of his potential. He needs to perform to regain 100% of his abilities.”
Ancelotti clarified that even as Neymar’s current condition prevents him from being selected, the situation is not necessarily permanent. “I didn’t call him up because he isn’t at 100%,” he said, “But for the definitive list, it’s another story.” This statement offers a glimmer of hope for Neymar, suggesting that his performance and fitness level in the coming months will be crucial factors in determining his World Cup fate.
Neymar returned to competition on February 16th after undergoing knee surgery in December. He has appeared in five matches since then, scoring three goals. While this is a promising start, Ancelotti is looking for consistent performance at peak physical condition before considering him for the World Cup.
The situation is complicated by Neymar’s recent return to Santos FC in 2025. While the move was intended to provide him with a familiar and supportive environment, his form has been inconsistent. He needs to demonstrate consistently that he can perform at the highest level for both club and country.
His teammates are firmly in his corner. Marquinhos, speaking to UOL Esporte, expressed his belief that Neymar will be ready for the tournament. “I really believe it will happen,” Marquinhos said. “He has a very strong desire for it to happen, to come back strong. We, as teammates, Brazilians and supporters, also want him to participate in this World Cup.”
The support from within the squad and the passionate backing of the fans create a compelling case for Neymar’s inclusion. However, Ancelotti remains focused on ensuring that any player he selects is fully fit and capable of contributing to the team’s success.
The debate surrounding Neymar’s fitness and potential inclusion in the World Cup squad highlights the delicate balance between sentiment and pragmatism in international football. While the emotional appeal of having a star player like Neymar in the squad is undeniable, Ancelotti must prioritize the team’s overall performance and ensure that every player is capable of performing at their best on the biggest stage.
This situation also echoes similar discussions happening with veteran players on other national teams. In France, some fans are advocating for the return of Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann, but Didier Deschamps already has a wealth of attacking options and may choose to stick with his current squad. The challenge for coaches is to weigh the experience and star power of established players against the energy and potential of emerging talents.
For Neymar, the next few months will be critical. He needs to consistently perform at a high level for Santos FC, demonstrate his fitness to Ancelotti, and convince the coaching staff that he is ready to contribute to Brazil’s World Cup campaign. The road to the tournament is long and challenging, but with hard work and dedication, Neymar still has a chance to realize his dream of lifting the trophy with his country.
The 2026 World Cup, scheduled to take place from June 11th to July 19th, promises to be a thrilling tournament. The inclusion of Neymar would undoubtedly add another layer of excitement and intrigue to the competition. However, his participation remains uncertain, and the coming months will be crucial in determining his fate.
Brazil’s next confirmed match is a friendly against Spain on March 29th. This match will provide another opportunity for players to showcase their abilities and impress Ancelotti. The coach is expected to continue monitoring Neymar’s progress closely and will likely make a decision on his inclusion in the final squad closer to the tournament.
What are your thoughts? Do you think Neymar will make the final Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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