Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to announce his squad on Monday, with intense national attention focused on one major question: whether Neymar will be included in the selection for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Neymar, 34, remains Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer, but his place in the squad is uncertain following a long history of injuries and an inconsistent return to form with Santos. His fitness and ability to meet the demands of modern high-intensity football have become central to Ancelotti’s decision-making.
Ancelotti acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, describing Neymar as a “very important player” while stressing that selection must be based on physical readiness and tactical requirements, according to Reuters.
“When you have to choose, you have to consider a number of things,” Ancelotti said. “Neymar has extraordinary talent, but he has had problems and is working to recover. He has improved a lot recently and is playing regularly. It is not an easy decision.”
The Italian coach, one of the most decorated managers in world football with league titles across Europe and multiple Champions League victories, said his approach to squad selection will prioritize intensity, balance, and discipline.
He noted that while Neymar remains highly popular within the squad and among fans, emotional considerations cannot override tactical planning. Several of Neymar’s teammates have reportedly expressed support for his inclusion, reflecting the player’s influence within the national setup.
“I know very well Neymar is extremely popular,” Ancelotti said. “But the final decision must be professional. I have to consider what is best for the team.”
Ancelotti added that although internal team harmony is strong and would not be affected by any selection decision, external pressure and media debate remain beyond his control.
On Neymar’s physical condition, the coach noted visible improvement in recent performances but remained cautious about whether he can consistently meet Brazil’s demanding tactical structure, which requires forwards capable of pressing and sustained high-tempo play.
“His physical condition has improved a lot recently,” Ancelotti said. “But there are matches… and there are matches. The decision will be based only on performance.”
He concluded by emphasizing full autonomy in squad selection, stating that no external pressure would influence his final decision as Brazil prepares for the World Cup.
