Brazilian football legend Neymar remains a central figure in discussions surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite ongoing questions about his fitness and selection under head coach Carlo Ancelotti. As the tournament approaches, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the 32-year-old forward continues to work toward regaining full match fitness following a significant knee injury sustained in December 2023. His absence from recent Brazil call-ups has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike, particularly given his status as the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer.
The situation gained renewed attention in March 2026 when Ancelotti omitted Neymar from the squad for international friendlies against France and Croatia, despite the player’s return to action with Santos. In his last four appearances for the Brazilian club, Neymar recorded two goals and two assists, logging 315 minutes of play. However, the Italian coach stated that Neymar was not at full physical capacity, explaining his decision by saying, “Neymar is not at 100% and therefore he is not on the list.” Ancelotti added that the door remains open if the player regains full fitness, emphasizing that selection is based on who is in the best condition to represent the national team.
Since taking over as Brazil’s head coach in May 2023, Ancelotti has consistently addressed questions about Neymar’s potential involvement in the 2026 World Cup. In an interview with French outlet L’Équipes in April 2026, he reiterated his stance: “If he gets back to 100%, which he is fully capable of, he will be able to play for the national team. I’ve said it many times: I will call up the fittest players.” He too acknowledged Neymar’s progress post-injury, noting that the forward has made a strong recovery, is scoring goals, and needs to continue improving his fitness to earn a recall.
The final squad for the 2026 World Cup is expected to be announced on May 18, 2026, according to Ancelotti’s comments during press engagements. This timeline leaves just over a month for Neymar to demonstrate sufficient form and fitness to secure a spot. While the coach has praised the veteran’s professionalism and acknowledged his historic contributions to Brazilian football, he has maintained that nostalgia or reputation will not influence selection decisions.
Neymar’s international career has been marked by both brilliance and adversity. He made his debut for Brazil in 2010 and has since scored 79 goals in 128 appearances, making him the country’s top scorer of all time. His achievements include winning the Olympic gold medal in 2016 and playing pivotal roles in multiple Copa América and FIFA World Cup campaigns. However, injuries have limited his availability in recent years, most notably the anterior cruciate ligament tear he suffered while playing for Al Hilal in December 2023, which kept him sidelined for several months.
Despite these challenges, Neymar has shown resilience in his rehabilitation. After returning to Santos in early 2024, he gradually rebuilt his match sharpness and confidence. By late 2025 and into 2026, he began contributing regularly in domestic matches, though his playing time has been carefully managed to avoid setbacks. His performances have drawn mixed reactions, with some former players and commentators questioning whether he can still meet the physical demands of international competition at this stage of his career.
Ancelotti’s approach reflects a broader philosophy centered on current form and team cohesion rather than past accolades. He has stressed that the final selection will prioritize players who can consistently perform at the highest level during the tournament. This merit-based stance has been echoed by other figures within the Brazilian football setup, including his assistant coach Davide Ancelotti, who affirmed that Neymar “has a chance” to craft the squad if he reaches peak condition before the final roster is locked.
As the May 18 deadline nears, attention remains fixed on Neymar’s training regimen, match participation, and physical readiness. His ability to overcome injury setbacks and return to elite form will not only determine his World Cup fate but also serve as a test of Brazil’s commitment to selecting players based on present capability rather than past legacy. For now, the decision rests entirely with the coaching staff, and the football world waits to see whether one of the sport’s most iconic figures will don the yellow jersey once more on the global stage.