Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has indicated that Neymar still has a chance to be included in the 26-man squad for this year’s World Cup, emphasizing that the forward has two months to prove he meets the necessary standards. Despite being Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals, Neymar was left out of the squad for last month’s warm-up matches against France and Croatia due to fitness concerns.
Neymar has not appeared for the national team since sustaining a serious knee injury in October 2023. Since his return to Santos last year, he has struggled to maintain consistent playing time. Following Brazil’s 2-1 loss to France in Boston, fans chanted Neymar’s name, but Ancelotti downplayed the reaction, urging focus on the players selected for the squad.
In a significant development, the Italian coach now suggests that Neymar remains under consideration as Brazil evaluates its options ahead of the World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 across North America and Mexico. “He’s a great talent, and it’s natural for people to believe he can help us win the next World Cup,” Ancelotti said in an interview with French newspaper L’Equipe.
“He is currently being assessed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and myself, and he still has two months to demonstrate that he possesses the qualities required to participate in the upcoming World Cup. After his knee injury, Neymar has made a promising comeback and is scoring goals. He needs to maintain this progress and improve his fitness. He is on the right path.”
Brazil will compete in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland, beginning their World Cup campaign on June 13 at New Jersey Stadium.
