Carlo Ancelotti reveals Neymar is on 'list of players' for 2026 World Cup

The forward still has a chance of making the Brazil squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Will Neymar play at the World Cup again? The path is open, as Carlo Ancelotti made it clear. However, the Brazilian has just six months to demonstrate that he is worthy of a place in the 2026 competition.

Before choosing the 26 players who will travel to the United States, Mexico, and Canada for the World Cup, Carlo Ancelotti wants complete clarity as the Brazilian national team is in the midst of a renovation phase. One name sticks out above the others in that conversation: Neymar Jr.

Ancelotti reveals Neymar’s chances of playing in the 2026 World Cup

The Santos star, who was left out of the most recent squad, does not yet have a ticket, but he has also not been ruled out. Neymar’s World Cup future is totally dependent on what he achieves over the next six months, Ancelotti said, confirming that he is still on the shortlist.

“Neymar is on the list of players who can go to the World Cup. He has six months to make the final list,” the coach stated.

“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,” Ancelotti warned.

Ancelotti stated that the choice will only be made for sporting reasons. After a year filled with injuries, setbacks, and very little continuity, the 33-year-old’s physical condition is the true question, not his talent, which is undeniable.

The message is very clear: Brazil will accept performers, not “names.” If the former Barcelona forward wishes to participate in his fourth World Cup, he must meet those requirements.

The coach also disclosed another crucial element: he is actively looking for a true No. 9, a position that Brazil has been lacking lately and one that has the potential to alter the attacking scheme. Neymar, who has traditionally had complete freedom in the last third, may be directly impacted by that change.

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