RIO DE JANEIRO—In a major shake-up signaling a generational shift for the Seleção, football superstar Neymar Jr. will reportedly be excluded from the Brazilian national team’s plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sources close to the team indicate that head coach Carlo Ancelotti has made the difficult decision to move forward without the veteran forward, citing persistent fitness concerns and a strategic focus on developing the squad’s younger talent.
The Reasons Behind the Exclusion
Neymar’s exclusion stems from a critical combination of physical setback and strategic realignment:
- Recurring Injuries: The 33-year-old has struggled immensely with fitness following a serious knee injury sustained in October 2023 while playing for Saudi club Al Hilal. He missed the majority of the 2024–25 season and has not been able to return to his former top form. His recent absence from Ancelotti’s call-up lists for qualifiers and friendlies underscores the coach’s lack of confidence in his current physical state.
- The New Guard Rises: Under Ancelotti’s management, the Brazilian squad has been actively pursuing a youth-focused rebuild. Dynamic attackers like Rodrygo, Endrick, and Vinícius Júnior are now seen as the core of the attack, receiving greater responsibility and playing time, effectively sidelining the veteran star.
Uncertain Path Forward
While the final 2026 World Cup roster decisions are expected by March 2026, the window of opportunity for Neymar to reverse this decision is rapidly closing.
The forward’s immediate future remains pivotal. Following the expiration of his contract with Santos at the end of December 2025, there has been speculation about a potential move to Inter Miami, which could see him reunite with his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi. Regular, high-level playing time is essential if he hopes to convince Ancelotti he can still compete on the biggest stage.
Despite Neymar’s expressed desire to feature in what would likely be his final World Cup, the coach’s direction and his own struggle for fitness have made his place on the 2026 squad highly uncertain, marking a potential and premature end to his legendary World Cup career.
