Neymar 'is capable of getting back to 100%' says Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti, as superstar forward's 2026 World Cup chances boosted
By Ben McAleer
Published 13/04/2026 at 13:41 GMT+1
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Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti believes that forward Neymar has time to make 2026 World Cup squad. The 34-year-old is hoping to take part in his fourth World Cup, but injuries have prevented the Santos striker from featuring for the national team since October 2023. Ancelotti, though, is refusing to close the door on Neymar's chances of representing Brazil in North America this summer.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
Neymar still has time to make the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup, according to head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The 34-year-old is eyeing up a Selecao spot for football's showpiece event this summer, but has been hamstrung by a series of injury issues and has hinted that he may retire later this year.
As such, Neymar hasn't represented Brazil since October 2023, though he still harbours hopes of featuring for Ancelotti's side in North America.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain man underwent minor surgery to his left knee last December.
And he had another procedure during the March international break in order to be fit for the national team's World Cup campaign this summer.
Ancelotti has faith that Neymar can show that he will recover in time to come into contention to feature for Brazil this summer.
"He is capable of getting back to 100%," Ancelotti told L'Equipe when asked about the Santos star.
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"He is being assessed by the CBF [Brazil's Football Confederation] and by me, and he still has two months to show that he has what it takes to play in the next World Cup."
The 66-year-old, who hasn't called Neymar up to a Brazil squad since taking over as head coach last year, did reiterate that only players who are "physically ready" will make the cut later this year.
"I've said this several times, and it's very clear: I'll call up the players who are physically ready," Ancelotti said.
'He's on the right track'
The Brazil boss insisted that Neymar is on the "right track" following knee surgery last year, continuing: "After his knee injury [in December], Neymar has made a good recovery.
"He's scoring goals. He needs to keep going down this path and improve his fitness. He's on the right track."
Not only has Ancelotti suggested that Neymar could make Brazil's World Cup squad if fit, he still retains the support of the fanbase.
Indeed, fans chanted his name during their recent 2-1 defeat to France as Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Junior, Gabriel Martinelli and Raphinha all failed to make an impact against the 2018 World Cup winners.
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Brazil can have a 'fantastic World Cup', says Ancelotti
Video credit: TNT Sports
"Neymar has made, and continues to make, history in Brazilian football," Ancelotti said of Brazil's all-time record goalscorer.
"He is a great talent, and it's only natural that people think he can help us win the next World Cup."
Neymar has been restricted to just five league starts this season due to injury, but has managed three goals and two assists in that time.
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