Neymar to miss World Cup 2026: Santos star not in Carlo Ancelotti's plans - Report

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :November 6, 2025 at 3:41 PM

Modified at :November 6, 2025 at 3:41 PM

Carlo Ancelotti Brazil Bayern Munich Bundesliga

(Courtesy : Getty)

The Brazilian star has not featured for his national team since 2023.

Neymar’s tenure with the Brazilian national team seems to be coming to an end, according to a number of Brazilian publications. According to reports, Carlo Ancelotti has not included the former Al-Hilal attacker in his plans for the 2026 World Cup since he is still recovering from his injuries.

According to UOL journalist Rodrigo Mattos, the Brazilian star has been categorically ruled out by the Italian coach, who feels he is not physically prepared to fight at the highest level.

The former Barcelona star has no position in the tactical scheme that Ancelotti chose for Brazil’s most recent roster list, indicating a dramatic change in course.

Neymar’s chapter over with Brazil?

Neymar Jr Brazil — Neymar Jr. of Brazil (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)

Pedro Lopes, a fellow UOL journalist, stated that Ancelotti’s team has been keeping a careful eye on Neymar’s development:

“Ancelotti’s team, which is tracking Neymar, believes his physical performance is far below what is currently required for the national team. He would need a significant improvement over the next few months to have any chance of going to the World Cup.”

The former PSG star has struggled to get back to his best form due to ongoing ailments, a lack of rhythm, and a protracted recuperation from his ligament tear. Since 2023, he has not represented Brazil.

Calling him up as a replacement has been recommended by several voices in Brazilian football, but it doesn’t seem realistic. Few people think the 33-year-old would take on a supporting role aside from his hefty salary.

For the Brazilian superstar, everything suggests that his era is coming to an end. It now seems impossible for him to win the 2026 World Cup, which could have been his salvation.

Neymar could bid farewell to the stage he once aspired to conquer if he doesn’t get called up to the squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Will Ancelotti not call Neymar for the World Cup squad?

According to the report, Neymar’s chapter might be over with the national team.

When was the last time Neymar played for the national team?

He last played for them in 2023.

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.