Carlo Ancelotti leaves the door open for Neymar to make Brazil’s World Cup squad

Carlo Ancelotti has not ruled out the possibility of Neymar making a stunning return to the Brazilian national team for the 2026 World Cup. 

However, the 66-year-old veteran head coach admitted that everything will depend on his physical condition and fitness level before the tournament.

Neymar has made it clear that he wants to represent Brazil one more time on the biggest stage in football. But injuries have kept him away from international duty for almost two years.

The last time he played for the Selecao was back in October 2023, when he suffered a serious injury in the 2-0 World Cup qualifier defeat against Uruguay.

Since then, the 33-year-old forward has struggled with recurring injury problems. 

Neymar has been injured since September, and despite his injury woes, Ancelotti has refused to shut him out of the Brazilian national team.

When asked about Neymar’s chances of making the World Cup squad during his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti hinted at the possibility as long as the forward is in “good shape”.

“When he’s in good shape, he has the quality to play not only for the national team, but for any team in the world,” Ancelotti said (via AS). 

However, the former Real Madrid manager also made it clear that time is running out for Neymar to prove he still has what it takes to deliver at the highest level.

FIFA has set a March deadline for national teams to announce their preliminary squad for the World Cup, so the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar has until then to prove he’s fit and ready to rejoin the squad.

“The March FIFA date could be the squad that will play in the World Cup,” Ancelotti said. 

“We have to manage both. A team that will be defined gradually with other players, and we want to see how they integrate into the game.”

Brazil are gearing up to take on Japan in an international friendly on Tuesday morning. 

Meanwhile, despite his injury woes, Neymar has been linked with a sensational move to Inter Miami, where he will reunite with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi.