Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has warned Neymar he has just six months to regain his form and fitness with Santos FC to earn a spot on the 2026 World Cup squad, but the star’s struggles with injuries and his club’s relegation battle are putting his international future in serious doubt.
Neymar’s ambition to play in the 2026 World Cup is under significant threat, as Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has publicly stated the veteran star has a six-month window to prove his physical condition and quality. Despite being Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, Neymar has struggled since returning to Santos FC, with a poor return of goals and assists in 24 appearances, compounded by persistent minor injuries. His situation is further complicated by Santos’s fight against relegation and the uncertainty over his contract, which expires in 2025, leaving his club future unresolved and his path to regaining world-class form for the national team increasingly precarious.