Ancelotti: Neymar must prove his fitness for the 2026 World Cup

The Brazilian national team coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has stated that Neymar could be a key player for the team in the next World Cup. However, the coach emphasized the need for the player to prove he is in optimal physical condition. Neymar, Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals, has not participated with the national team since October 2023, due to a left knee injury that affected the anterior cruciate ligament and the meniscus. The 33-year-old forward, who previously played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, has been absent from Ancelotti’s call-ups due to persistent injury problems since his return to Santos in January. Ronaldinho’s son signs with Hull City. Neymar has expressed his disagreement with Ancelotti’s version of his absence from the World Cup qualifiers in September, denying that it was due to physical problems.

I was left out for technical reasons, it has nothing to do with my physical condition, it’s the coach’s opinion and I respect it.

Neymar

Ancelotti has made it clear that Neymar’s physical condition, and not his talent, will determine his place in the Brazilian national team.

We are not going to observe how Neymar plays, obviously. Everyone knows his talent. In modern football, to take advantage of his talent, the player has to be in good physical condition. If he is in his best physical condition, he will have no problem being in the selection.

Carlo Ancelotti

The coach added that he spoke with Neymar, urging him to prepare in the best way to be in the World Cup and help the team.

Ancelotti has mentioned that Neymar, who has played in both wide and central attacking roles, could have physical difficulties performing as a winger in today’s football. The coach explained that he spoke with Neymar before the match against Paraguay, reaffirming that he sees him as an attacking midfielder or center forward.

He has to play in the center, he can’t play on the outside because modern football needs forwards with physical quality, it’s very important. He can play as an attacking midfielder without problems.

Carlo Ancelotti

Brazil, after securing its qualification for the 2026 World Cup in June, ended its qualifying campaign on Tuesday with a 1-0 defeat to Bolivia, finishing in a disappointing fifth place in the South American qualifying table. Ancelotti, who signed a one-year contract in June, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and was open to the possibility of continuing in the position.

Preparing the World Cup for Brazil is something special.

Carlo Ancelotti

The coach added that after the World Cup, everything is open and that he has no problem continuing if the CBF wishes, showing his happiness and that of his family in the country.