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.
Reigning champions Argentina will face Algeria, Austria and first-time qualifiers Jordan in their 2026 World Cup group, according to the draw made in Washington on Friday.
Neymar played through a knee injury to score a hat-trick and lift his boyhood club Santos clear of the relegation zone in Brazil's Serie A.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said Vinicius Jr must be fully fit to make next year’s World Cup squad, reiterating his policy of picking only players who are 100% game-ready.
Brazil's record goalscorer with 79 goals from 128 matches, Neymar has not pulled on the yellow jersey since October 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar's physical condition will be crucial for his inclusion in the national team for next year's World Cup, following the 33-year-old forward's omission from recent qualifiers.
Football legend Ronaldinho is confident that Neymar’s story with Brazil is far from over, backing the Santos forward to make a comeback and lead the Selecao to another World Cup triumph.
“It was a technical decision based on many factors,” Ancelotti explained ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against Chile in Rio.
His return to boyhood club Santos has not been a bed of roses either.
Football legend Ronaldinho is confident that Neymar’s story with Brazil is far from over, backing the Santos forward to make a comeback and lead the Selecao to another World Cup triumph.
“It was a technical decision based on many factors,” Ancelotti explained ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against Chile in Rio.
His return to boyhood club Santos has not been a bed of roses either.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti did not recall Neymar and spared Vinicius Junior for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia next month with Lucas Paqueta returning to the national team.
Neymar, once seen as the next big phenomenon coming out of Brazil, has fallen by the wayside due to recurring injury problems.
Striker Neymar said it was hard to control his feelings when he was being insulted, commenting on a heated exchange he had with a fan after his late goal was ruled out and his club Santos suffered a 2-1 defeat that left them in the Brazilian Serie A relegation zone.
Neymar’s performance was a bright spot, signaling a return to form for the star forward and lifting the spirits of the Santos faithful.
New Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti considers Neymar "a very important player" and has urged the injury-prone star "to prepare well" for the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar started his career at Santos before moving to Barcelona and then Paris Saint-Germain.
Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr has tested positive for Covid-19, confirmed his club Santos today.
