Ancelotti Sets Clear Path for Neymar’s 2026 World Cup Return: ‘Depends Only on Him’
The road to the 2026 World Cup has reached a critical juncture for Brazil, as head coach Carlo Ancelotti addresses the high-stakes decision regarding Neymar’s inclusion in the squad. Speaking to the English newspaper The Guardian, Ancelotti revealed that the star’s participation depends solely on the player’s physical condition.
In a candid assessment of the Santos forward, Ancelotti emphasized that Neymar is not competing with any other player for a spot. While the coach typically evaluates both talent and fitness for squad selections, he noted that for Neymar, the talent is “outside of discussion.” The decision, rests entirely on what the player can demonstrate on the pitch in terms of physical readiness.
“The call-up for Neymar depends only on him. Everything depends on what the player shows on the field. Here’s a exceptionally clear criterion… For Neymar, we only evaluate the physical aspect because the talent is beyond question. It depends only on him, not on me.”
The uncertainty surrounding the veteran’s presence has created significant tension within the CBF, with reports indicating that Ancelotti is sharing the final decision with only a modest circle of confidants. Despite the ambiguity, the coach has acknowledged that Neymar’s performance has improved significantly in recent matches, though Ancelotti admits the final call is “not so simple.”
The stakes are particularly high given Neymar’s legacy as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer in official matches, with 79 goals. However, he has been absent from the national team since October 2023, following an injury sustained during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. While he remains on the CBF’s preliminary 55-man list submitted to FIFA, the final 26-man roster will not be announced until May 18, 2026.
The perceived hesitation to integrate Neymar has not gone unnoticed. Commentator Tiago Leifert recently questioned the treatment of the star, describing the situation as “absurd” ahead of the final squad announcement.
Beyond the Neymar saga, Ancelotti is also weighing the return of veteran defender Thiago Silva. The 41-year-old, currently playing for Porto, recently won the Portuguese league and has expressed his availability to return to the national team. Ancelotti confirmed that Silva is “on the radar,” citing his strong physical condition and recent form.
As the May 18 deadline approaches, the Brazilian football world remains on edge to see if Ancelotti will risk the “not so simple” decision to bring back his most talented attacker for the global showpiece. According to recent updates from the coach, the improvement in Neymar’s game is evident, but the physical threshold remains the ultimate barrier.
