Ancelotti weighs Neymar fitness for Brazil call-up

Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar's call-up to the 2026 World Cup will depend on his physical condition and recent form. The Brazil coach spoke to Reuters on Tuesday.

Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil's coach, highlighted that Neymar has improved his physical form in recent matches and is playing regularly. The 34-year-old forward, who has dealt with injuries, played 13 games in 2026 for Santos, scoring six goals and providing three assists.

Ancelotti stressed that the decision will be 100 percent professional and based solely on the player's performance. He denied any external pressure and noted that Neymar is very loved in the dressing room.

The Brazil squad for the World Cup will be announced next Monday, May 18, at 5pm Brasília time. Brazil open the tournament on June 13 against Morocco.

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Carlo Ancelotti announces Brazil's 26-player squad with eight newcomers for friendlies, omitting Neymar.
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Ancelotti names 26-man Brazil squad with eight newcomers for friendlies, omits Neymar

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Carlo Ancelotti announced Brazil's 26-man squad for March friendlies against France and Croatia, calling up eight uncapped players amid injuries to key stars. Neymar was omitted due to incomplete fitness but remains a potential 2026 World Cup pick. The matches offer final testing before the May 18 roster reveal.

Neymar has stated he is not giving up on making Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad this summer, despite his exclusion from Carlo Ancelotti's squad for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia. The 34-year-old Santos forward expressed frustration but vowed to stay focused on training and matches, with the coach citing fitness concerns.

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Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti defended his decision to omit Neymar from the latest national team squad, saying he respects everyone's opinion. The move has drawn sharp criticism from former Brazil strikers Romario and Ronaldo, who argue the 34-year-old's talent is too valuable to waste ahead of the World Cup. Ancelotti cited fitness concerns for leaving out the country's record goalscorer.

Neymar has dismissed talk of a move to Major League Soccer, reaffirming his commitment to Santos until the end of his current deal. The 34-year-old Brazilian forward stated his priority remains earning a spot in Brazil's World Cup squad this summer. Interest from U.S. clubs like FC Cincinnati has surfaced, but Neymar indicated no immediate plans to leave.

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Brazil's national team lost 2-1 to France in a friendly match played on Thursday (March 26) at Gillette Stadium in the United States. Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil's coach, stated the team is ready for the World Cup despite the defeat. Fans chanted for Neymar during the game.

Albania's elimination, coached by Brazilian Sylvinho, by Poland in the European playoff semi-final on Thursday in Warsaw ends a historic streak. For the first time since 1930, the 2026 World Cup, expanded to 48 teams, may proceed without any Brazilian coaches leading participating squads.

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United States midfielder Johnny Cardoso will miss the 2026 World Cup after suffering an ankle injury that requires surgery. Atletico Madrid confirmed the news in a statement on Monday.

 

 

 

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