Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti has indicated that Neymar still has a chance to secure a spot in the 26-man squad for this year’s World Cup, provided he demonstrates the necessary fitness within the next two months. Ancelotti has consistently emphasized that Neymar will be considered if fully fit, although the forward was left out of Brazil’s squad for last month’s preparatory matches against France and Croatia.
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has not appeared for the national team since sustaining a serious knee injury in October 2023. Since his return to Santos last year, the attacker has struggled to maintain a steady run of matches. 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.
In a significant development, the Italian coach has now suggested 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 stated in an interview with French newspaper L’Equipe.
“He is currently being assessed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and myself. He still has two months to prove he possesses the qualities required to participate in the upcoming World Cup. After his knee injury, Neymar has made a solid comeback and is scoring goals. He needs to maintain this progress and enhance 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 the New Jersey Stadium.
