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Ancelotti Sets the Rules: Neymar Under Review for the 2026 World Cup

The Brazilian National Team is deep into a reconstruction phase, and Carlo Ancelotti wants absolute clarity before selecting the 26 players who will go to the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. And in that discussion, one name stands above the rest: Neymar Jr.

The Santos star, left out of the latest squad, does not have his ticket secured… but he hasn’t been ruled out either. Ancelotti confirmed that Neymar remains on the shortlist, while delivering a direct message: his World Cup future depends entirely on what he does over the next few months.

“Neymar is on the list of players who can go to the World Cup. He has six months to make the final list,” the coach stated.

Six Months That Will Define His Future

Ancelotti made it clear that the decision will be purely sporting. The real question isn’t Neymar’s talent —no one doubts that— but rather his physical condition, after a year full of injuries, setbacks and very limited continuity.

“Neymar has recovered, but he needs to show performance. When the Brazilian league ends he’ll have some vacation time, and then he must show his quality and physical condition again,” Ancelotti warned.

The message couldn’t be clearer: Brazil will not take “names,” it will take performers. And Neymar must fit that criteria if he wants to be in his fourth World Cup.

Brazil Moves Forward Without Him… for Now

Even though Neymar is still a unique talent, Brazil has begun a transition with new names and a more collective identity. Ancelotti didn’t hide his intentions:
His mission is to build the strongest possible team —and that means evaluating every profile, even those currently far from their best.

The coach also revealed another key factor: he’s actively searching for a true No. 9, a role Brazil has lacked in recent years and one that could reshape the entire attacking system. That adjustment could directly impact Neymar’s role, who has historically enjoyed total freedom in the final third.

Will Neymar Make It to the 2026 World Cup?

No one knows yet. What is clear is that Ancelotti has outlined the roadmap:

✔ Recover fully
✔ Compete consistently
✔ Be decisive
✔ Prove his body can handle a full season

If he does all that, Neymar will return to the World Cup.
If not… Brazil will move forward without him.

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