Coach Ancelotti speaks frankly about Neymar's World Cup chances

The Brazil national team captain emphasizes fitness criteria when discussing Neymar's potential participation in the planet's biggest football event.

Brazil's head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, recently made notable remarks regarding Neymar's opportunity to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. During a press conference on March 16, the Italian strategist confirmed that the door remains open for the superstar born in 1992, but only if he achieves optimal physical condition.

Ancelotti stressed that the most crucial criterion in the squad selection process is the current form and physical state of the players. He said: “He can go to the World Cup if he is completely healthy. He must be at 100% fitness. We need players who are in their best form at the present moment.” This statement indicates that Neymar's likelihood of participating in the 2026 World Cup will directly depend on whether he can timely reach an ideal physical state.

The Brazil national team manager also added: “Neymar must continue to work, play, demonstrate his best qualities on the field, and maintain good physical condition.” According to Ancelotti, preparing for the upcoming tournament cycle requires the national team to possess players at their peak form when entering the planet's biggest football event.

Meanwhile, Neymar also does not hide his desire to return to the national team. After the 1-1 draw between Santos FC and Sport Club Corinthians Paulista in the Brazilian National Championship, the forward admitted that his future with the Brazil team is not entirely his own decision. He shared: “I really want to return to the national team and play in the World Cup, but that doesn't depend on me. Whether I am called up or not, I will always support Brazil.”

Currently, Neymar remains the top scorer in Brazil national team history with 79 goals. However, his journey back to the top has been affected by an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in October 2023, followed by knee surgery in December of the same year.

Since the start of this year, Neymar has played fewer than 10 matches for Santos, though he occasionally still shows moments that indicate he could contribute to the Brazil national team. In February, this forward even entered the top 10 list of Santos' all-time highest scorers after scoring a double in the 2-1 victory against CR Vasco da Gama.

According to Brazilian media, Neymar's absence in the recent match against Mirassol Futebol Clube has raised concerns among fans that he might miss the opportunity to participate in a fourth consecutive World Cup. Notably, Ancelotti was only informed about Neymar not playing a few hours before the match at the Jose Maria de Campos Maia stadium, further making the story about this star's physical condition a closely monitored topic.