Ancelotti Uncertain on Neymars 2026 World Cup Spot

Brazil's national team coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed uncertainty Friday about whether star forward Neymar will make the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing that selection will depend on the player's fitness and performance relative to others. The comments came during a press conference in Washington following the tournament draw, which placed Brazil in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland.

Ancelotti, who took over as coach in May, has not yet called up Neymar since his appointment. The 66-year-old Italian, known for his success at clubs like Real Madrid, stated that decisions will be finalized after the FIFA international matches in March. "If Neymar deserves to be in the squad, if he is well, if he is better or the same as another, he will play in the World Cup, period," Ancelotti said. He added, "I don't owe anyone anything," underscoring a merit-based approach amid speculation about the former captain's role.

Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has not appeared for the national team since suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023. Now 33 and playing for Santos in Brazil's top...