RIO DE JANEIRO — Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that star forward Neymar is on the list of players being considered for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, but he has warned the 33-year-old must prove his form and fitness over the next six months.
Brazil secured their place in the tournament, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, by finishing fifth in the CONMEBOL qualifying standings.
Neymar has been a major topic of discussion since Ancelotti took the reins in May. The Italian coach has yet to include the veteran attacker in any of his squads, largely due to a severe Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rupture sustained against Uruguay in October 2023.
Following his initial recovery, Neymar returned to his boyhood club, Santos, but his spell there has also been hampered by subsequent injuries.
Ancelotti, however, remains keen on taking the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona man to the World Cup, stating he will be monitoring his progress closely before the next international break in March 2026.
”Neymar is on the list of players who could be at the World Cup,” Ancelotti said ahead of Brazil’s final match of 2025 against Tunisia.
”Neymar has recovered, but he needs to show performance. When the Brazilian league ends, he’ll have some vacation time, and then he must show his quality and physical condition again,” he elaborated.
The Italian stressed that time is running out to cement a spot, offering a clear six-month window for the player to impress.
”Now we have six months before the final list. We simply need to monitor him, as we do with the others, to see whether to make any changes to the final team,” he added.
Ancelotti expressed confidence in the team’s trajectory, stating, “We are working to arrive at the World Cup in the best possible condition. We are on the right track. Until March, I can change the players, but I have full confidence that those who are selected will be ready for the event.”
