Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar’s fitness will determine whether the Brazil star makes the final squad for the 2026 World Cup amid fierce competition for places.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted Neymar’s place in the squad for the 2026 World Cup is still uncertain, despite the forward remaining one of the country’s greatest-ever players.
Now 34 years old, Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer and has long been regarded as one of the most naturally gifted footballers of his generation. However, injuries have severely disrupted the latter stages of his career, with the attacker enduring a difficult spell since suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in October 2023.
Neymar has not represented Brazil since that setback, although he returned to boyhood club Santos in January 2025 after a brief and injury-hit spell with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Despite concerns surrounding his fitness, the veteran forward has still been included in Ancelotti’s preliminary 55-man squad ahead of this summer’s tournament.
Speaking about Neymar’s situation, the Italian manager insisted talent has never been the issue, stressing that the player’s physical condition will ultimately determine whether he earns a place in the final 26-man squad.
🇧🇷🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: These are some of the factors AGAINST Neymar’s World Cup call-up with the Brazilian national team.
• He has not yet managed to have a streak of 8 matches in a row recently, like the World Cup.
• His unexplained absence from the match vs Mirassol, when Ancelotti… pic.twitter.com/KeHLe20v2U
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) May 13, 2026
Brazil’s attacking options remain incredibly competitive, with players such as Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Antony and Gabriel Martinelli all battling for selection, while several other forwards continue to impress across Europe and South America.
Neymar has repeatedly spoken about his determination to feature at the World Cup, but with fierce competition for places and lingering doubts over his fitness, the Brazilian icon still faces an anxious wait before learning whether he will be part of Ancelotti’s final squad.
🚨🇧🇷 Brazil have announced their 55 man preliminary World Cup squad. pic.twitter.com/hIfcrDMhzM
— World Cup HQ (@WorldCup26HQ) May 11, 2026
