Carlo Ancelotti has left the door open for Neymar to earn a place in Brazil’s 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, stating the forward has two months to prove his readiness.
The Brazil head coach has consistently maintained that Neymar remains in contention, provided he is fully fit. However, the country’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals was left out of last month’s friendlies against France and Croatia.
Neymar has not featured for the national side since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023. Although he returned to club football with Santos last year, he has struggled to maintain consistent match fitness.
Brazil’s recent 2–1 defeat to France in Boston saw fans chant Neymar’s name, but Ancelotti initially played down the reaction, urging focus on the selected squad. Now, with the World Cup approaching, the Italian has indicated the forward is still firmly in his plans.
“He’s a great talent, and it’s normal people think he can help us win the World Cup,” Ancelotti said in an interview with L’Equipe. “He is being evaluated by the federation and by me. He still has two months to show he has the qualities to play.”
The coach added that Neymar is progressing well after his injury, having returned to scoring form, but stressed the need for continued improvement in fitness. “He’s on the right track,” Ancelotti noted.
Brazil have been drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland, and will begin their campaign on 13 June at New Jersey Stadium. The tournament will run from 11 June to 19 July across North America.
