Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has made it clear that Neymar Jr. must prove his physical fitness over the next eight weeks if he hopes to be included in the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 34-year-old forward, who is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, has not played for the national team since sustaining a serious knee injury in October 2023. While he has recently returned to action with his childhood club, Santos, his form and stamina remain under intense scrutiny.
Key highlights from Ancelotti’s assessment:
- The Fitness Ultimatum: Ancelotti emphasized that he will only select players who are 100% physically ready for the tournament. He noted that while Neymar is “heading in the right direction,” he is still being closely monitored by both the coaching staff and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
- Recent Progress: After undergoing surgery and specialized platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment, Neymar has begun to show flashes of his former self, scoring three goals in five appearances for Santos this season.
- The Squad Context: Ancelotti recently suggested that his World Cup roster is “quite defined,” meaning Neymar faces an uphill battle to displace players who have been active during the qualifying cycles and recent friendlies against teams like France and Portugal.
- Support from Teammates: Despite his long absence, Neymar still enjoys strong backing within the locker room. Veteran players like Casemiro have publicly supported his return, arguing that Neymar’s experience and elite ability could be the deciding factor in Brazil’s quest for a sixth title.
With the World Cup set to kick off on June 11, the clock is ticking for the star attacker to regain the match sharpness required for the international stage. Brazil is scheduled to open its campaign on June 13 in New Jersey against a group that includes Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland.