Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Neymar is considered for the World Cup squad but emphasized the star must consistently perform and stay fit over the next six months to secure his place for 2026.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that the 33-year-old Neymar remains on the World Cup long list but stressed the forward has six months to prove his physical condition and performance to secure a final squad spot.
According to a report from FotMob, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has issued an ultimatum to Neymar, stating the 33-year-old star must prove his form and fitness to earn a spot in the squad for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ancelotti, who took charge of Brazil in May, spoke ahead of the team’s friendly against Tunisia, confirming that the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona attacker is still in contention.
Neymar has not featured for the national team since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) against Uruguay in October 2023.
Brazil secured their World Cup spot by finishing fifth in the CONMEBOL qualifying standings, 10 points behind Argentina.
The Italian tactician made it clear that while the door is open, the final decision will rely heavily on the forward’s physical state following years of setbacks.
Ancelotti stated: “Neymar is on the list of players who could be at the World Cup.”
He then added the condition for selection: “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.”
The coach also emphasized the timeline for selection, giving the player a clear deadline to return to top form:
“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.”