Neymar’s World Cup Hopes Hang in the Balance as Ancelotti Prioritizes Fitness
Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, Neymar, faces an uphill battle to secure his place in the 2026 World Cup squad after being left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s latest roster for friendlies against France and Croatia. The decision, announced on March 16, 2026, underscores Ancelotti’s commitment to prioritizing player fitness as he shapes the Selecao for the expanded 48-team tournament.
Ancelotti’s Firm Stance on Player Condition
Despite recently returning to action for Santos and even playing a full 90 minutes, Neymar was deemed not “100%” by Ancelotti. This isn’t a matter of questioning Neymar’s talent, but rather a strategic decision to build a squad capable of maintaining the physical intensity required for success on the world stage. Ancelotti stated that reputation alone won’t guarantee a spot, emphasizing the need for players in peak condition.
Neymar’s Emotional Response and Fight for a Spot
The omission has clearly affected Neymar, who publicly expressed his disappointment. Speaking at a Kings League Brazil event, he admitted being “upset and sad” but remains focused on proving his fitness. He acknowledged the competition for places and vowed to continue working towards his goal of representing Brazil at the World Cup. “I’m going to speak here, because I can’t retain this quiet,” Neymar stated, highlighting the emotional weight of the situation.
The Expanded World Cup and Increased Competition
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico, will feature 48 teams for the first time. This expansion increases the overall level of competition and demands a higher level of physical preparation from all participating nations. Ancelotti’s focus on fitness reflects this new reality, where endurance and resilience are as crucial as technical skill.
Brazil’s Group Stage Challenge
Brazil has been drawn into Group C for the tournament, where they will face Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. Their campaign begins on June 13th against Morocco. Navigating this group and progressing through the knockout stages will require a physically robust and tactically astute squad.
Full Squad List for Upcoming Friendlies
Here’s a look at the full squad selected by Carlo Ancelotti for the upcoming friendlies:
- Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr) and Ederson (Fenerbahçe)
- Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibañez (Al Ahli), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG) and Wesley (Roma)
- Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad) and Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)
- Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), João Pedro (Chelsea), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth) and Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was Neymar left out of the squad?
A: Carlo Ancelotti stated Neymar was not selected because he is not currently at 100% fitness.
Q: What is the significance of the upcoming friendlies?
A: These friendlies against France and Croatia are the final experimental window for Brazil before the definitive World Cup squad is announced.
Q: What is new about the 2026 World Cup?
A: The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition to feature 48 teams, increasing the number of participating nations and games.
Q: Who are Brazil’s opponents in the group stage?
A: Brazil will face Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland in Group C.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Neymar’s performance in domestic league matches. Consistent appearances and strong performances for Santos will be crucial in convincing Ancelotti of his fitness and readiness for the World Cup.
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