Neymar’s Fitness Will Decide If He Joins Brazil For 2026 World Cup

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has highlighted that the physical condition of star forward Neymar will play a major role in determining whether he joins the national squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 33-year-old footballer has not played in recent qualifiers, raising questions about his readiness for international competition.

Ancelotti’s statements come amid ongoing discussions about Neymar’s recovery from serious knee ligament injuries that have affected his performance and availability for Brazil. The coach emphasized that while Neymar’s talent is unquestionable, his fitness is crucial for him to compete at the highest level.

Recent Omission From National Team

Neymar was left out of the 23-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia. Ancelotti cited a minor leg muscle injury as the reason for excluding him. However, Neymar himself later claimed that the omission was due to technical reasons, not injury.

The forward has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he suffered significant knee ligament damage. His absence has sparked debate among fans and analysts about whether Brazil should rely on him for the upcoming World Cup campaign.

Ancelotti Praises Neymar’s Talent

Speaking to ESPN Brasil on Friday, Ancelotti said, “We are not going to observe how Neymar plays, obviously. Everyone knows his talent.” The coach reiterated that Neymar’s skill is widely recognized and that his inclusion in the national team would be valuable if he is physically fit.

Ancelotti added, “In modern football, to take advantage of his talent, the player has to be in good physical condition. If he is in his best physical condition, he will have no problems being in the national team.” This highlights that Neymar’s readiness is about maintaining peak fitness levels, rather than questioning his ability.

Conversations With Neymar

The coach confirmed that he has personally spoken to Neymar about the upcoming World Cup. “Everyone wants Neymar in the national team in good physical condition. I spoke with him and I said, ‘You have time to prepare in the best way to be there and help the team try to do their best in the World Cup’,” Ancelotti said.

This indicates that Neymar has a window of opportunity to recover fully and regain his place in the Brazilian squad if he focuses on training, conditioning, and preparation before the tournament.

Club Performances And Challenges

Since returning to his boyhood club Santos from Saudi side Al-Hilal, Neymar has shown occasional flashes of brilliance. However, his struggles on the field have been visible, especially during Santos’ heavy 6-0 defeat against Vasco da Gama, when Neymar left the pitch in tears.

This performance highlights the challenges he faces in regaining his top form after injuries and adjusting to high-intensity matches. Ancelotti acknowledged these difficulties but remains hopeful that Neymar can recover and perform effectively for Brazil.

Playing Position In The Team

Ancelotti shared insights about Neymar’s role in the national team, stating that he sees him playing centrally, either as an attacking midfielder or a striker. He stressed that modern football requires forwards to have strong physical abilities, especially when playing on the wings.

The coach said, “He can’t play on the outside because modern football needs forwards who have physical quality; it’s very important. He can play as an attacking midfielder without problems.” This confirms that Neymar’s position will depend on his fitness, stamina, and ability to handle physical demands on the pitch.

Brazil Already Qualified For World Cup

Brazil has already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This allows the coaching staff to carefully manage Neymar’s recovery and preparation without immediate pressure from qualification matches.

The team’s next scheduled match is a friendly against South Korea in Seoul on October 10. This game may provide an opportunity to test Neymar’s fitness and assess whether he can be included in the main squad for the World Cup.

Importance Of Fitness In Modern Football

Ancelotti emphasized the importance of fitness in modern football, stating that even the most talented players need to be physically prepared to perform consistently at the highest level. This includes maintaining endurance, speed, strength, and injury prevention.

For Neymar, this means focusing on rehabilitation, conditioning, and match readiness before he can be considered for Brazil’s World Cup lineup. The coach’s comments suggest that while Neymar’s technical ability is never in doubt, his physical readiness will ultimately determine his role in the team.

Support From Fans And Team

Despite injuries and setbacks, Neymar remains a key figure in Brazilian football. Fans, teammates, and coaching staff are eager to see him back in action, particularly given his experience and creativity on the field.

Ancelotti’s approach shows a careful balance between protecting Neymar’s health and preparing the team for success in the World Cup. By allowing him time to recover, Brazil hopes to have one of its most influential players ready for the global stage.

Path To Full Recovery

Neymar’s path to full recovery will involve a combination of medical treatment, physical training, and match practice. Santos club staff are assisting him with tailored programs to regain strength and confidence after his injuries.

The upcoming months will be crucial for Neymar to demonstrate his stamina, agility, and readiness to play in high-pressure World Cup matches. The coach’s statements indicate optimism but also underline the need for patience and careful management of his workload.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear that Neymar’s inclusion in the 2026 World Cup squad depends on his fitness. While his talent is undisputed, the challenges of modern football demand that players be physically prepared to contribute at the highest level.

With Brazil already qualified and friendly matches scheduled, Neymar has time to recover and prepare. Fans and experts will closely watch his progress as he aims to return to international football and help Brazil pursue World Cup glory.

Neymar World Cup, Brazil National Team, Carlo Ancelotti Comments