Neymar's Dream of World Cup Football Faces Uncertainty

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to begin on June 11, will see the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Brazil, with dreams of clinching a record-breaking sixth title, has already begun preparations for the prestigious event. However, recent comments from the country’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, have added complexity to the future of star player Neymar and his involvement in the competition.

At an event in Brasília's Palácio do Planalto, where the World Cup Trophy Tour was being held, Lula expressed his unequivocal support for Brazil's head coach, Carlo Ancelotti. Lula confidently stated that he believes Brazil will win the World Cup and that Ancelotti is the ideal coach for the team, describing him as a “serious and organised” individual. This endorsement sent a clear message of national trust in the Italian coach’s leadership.

However, the discussion took a turn when Lula addressed Neymar’s future with the national team. The president referenced Ancelotti’s stance on squad selection, saying that the coach is adamant that only fully fit players will be chosen for the World Cup. "No one will be selected based on their name," Lula stated. "Only those who are playing, training, and prepared will make the team." The suggestion was clear: players must be in top physical form to earn their spot.

Neymar, aged 33, last played for Brazil on October 17, 2023, during a match against Uruguay, where he sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This injury sidelined him for a long period, and following a disappointing stint at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, he returned to his childhood club, Santos, in January 2025. Since his return, Neymar has played 21 matches, starting 17 of them, scoring 8 goals, and providing one assist. His recent performance, including a brace against Vasco da Gama in a 2-1 victory, has sparked renewed discussions about his place in the squad.

Yet, Ancelotti’s criteria remain firm. In a December 2025 interview with Esporte Record, the coach stated that Neymar, like any other player, must be fully fit to be considered for selection. If Neymar, or even Vinícius Júnior, is only 90% fit, Ancelotti made it clear he would opt for another player who is 100% ready. This approach, prioritising fitness and form over reputation, poses a significant challenge for Neymar, especially with emerging young talents like Chelsea’s Estevao and Bournemouth’s Ryan making their mark.

With fierce competition in Brazil’s forward line, Neymar’s road to the 2026 World Cup becomes increasingly uncertain. The pressure to meet Ancelotti’s fitness standards, combined with the emergence of fresh talent, could make it difficult for the veteran star to secure his place in the squad.

The final 26-man World Cup squad is expected to be announced at the end of May 2026. Before that, Brazil will play two friendly matches: one against France on March 26 and another against Croatia on March 31. Neymar, along with other potential candidates, faces a crucial few months to prove he is fit and ready to represent his country at the world’s biggest football stage.

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