Ancelotti: Neymar Must Be Fit To Feature For Brazil At 2026 World Cup
2 min read
By Sportsgister
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that Neymar Jr will face no difficulty earning a place in the Seleção squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup provided he can stay fully fit.
The 33-year-old forward, once the poster boy of Brazilian football, has been absent from the national team setup since October 2023, when he suffered a devastating knee ligament injury.
Although Neymar has returned to action with boyhood club Santos, his comeback has been marked by inconsistency and fitness concerns, leaving questions over his role in Brazil’s World Cup plans.
Ancelotti, who omitted Neymar from Brazil’s 23-man squad for the recent qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia, explained that the decision was linked to the player’s physical condition, though Neymar himself later suggested it was a technical choice.
Speaking to ESPN Brasil on Friday, Ancelotti made clear where he stands:
> “We are not going to observe how Neymar plays, obviously. Everyone knows his talent. In modern football, to take advantage of his talent, the player has to be in good physical condition. If he is in his best physical condition, he will have no problems being in the national team.”
The Italian coach revealed that he has personally spoken to Neymar about his preparation, urging him to focus on peak condition ahead of the tournament.
“Everyone wants Neymar in the national team in good physical condition. I told him, ‘You have time to prepare in the best way to be there and help the team try to do their best at the World Cup.’”
Since rejoining Santos after a spell at Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, Neymar has shown occasional flashes of brilliance. However, his struggles were highlighted in August when he broke down in tears during Santos’ humiliating 6-0 defeat to Vasco da Gama, raising further doubts about his ability to rediscover top form.
Looking ahead, Ancelotti suggested Neymar’s future with Brazil lies in a more central role rather than on the wings.
“He can’t play on the outside because modern football needs forwards who have physical quality—it’s very important. But he can play as an attacking midfielder or striker without problems. Everything is clear; the idea remains the same.”
Brazil has already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Their next international fixture is a high-profile friendly against South Korea in Seoul on October 10, where Ancelotti’s tactical plans will continue to take shape.
For Neymar, the message is simple: his talent is unquestionable, but his ticket to the World Cup depends on his fitness.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
