Brazil can be with or without Neymar in World Cup: Ancelotti

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti reiterated his previous stance of placing form over reputation when selecting the squad for the World Cup, insisting Neymar will only be selected if he proves he deserves a place in the squad for the 2026 tournament, after the World Cup draw took place in Washington DC on Friday.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Ancelotti said it was too early to focus solely on Neymar as Brazil prepare for a challenging World Cup campaign in Group C, where they will face Morocco, Scotland and Haiti.

"If we talk about Neymar, we have to talk about other players," Ancelotti said. "Brazil can be with Neymar or without Neymar, with other players or without other players. The definitive list we will make after the FIFA date in March."

The Italian stressed that no decision had been made yet and that form -- not reputation -- would determine who boards the plane to North America.

"I want to clarify that we are in December, the World Cup is in June, and I will choose the team in May," he said. "If Neymar deserves to be, if he is well, better than someone else, he will play in the World Cup and period. I don't owe anyone a debt."

Neymar, who is currently playing for Brazilian club Santos, has been sidelined with a long-term injury, raising questions about whether he will feature in what could be his final World Cup. But Ancelotti made it clear that Brazil's focus remains collective as they navigate a group featuring 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, an improving Scotland side and Haiti.