Ancelotti Addresses Neymar's World Cup Future
Ancelotti Discusses World Cup Squad Decisions
Carlo Ancelotti, the coach of Brazil's national football team, has provided clarity regarding the inclusion of star player Neymar in the squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. Neymar, who is 33 years old, has faced numerous injuries since his return to Santos. However, his recent performance, highlighted by a hat-trick against Juventude, has sparked discussions about his potential participation in the World Cup, which will take place next summer across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Ancelotti emphasized the importance of players being at their peak fitness, stating that both Neymar and Vinicius Junior must be at 100% to secure their spots on the team. He remarked, "There are many talented players available, and I must select those who are fully fit. It's not solely about Neymar; Vinicius could also be at risk. If Vinicius is at 90%, I will opt for another player who is at 100%, as we have a high level of talent, especially in our attacking lineup."
When questioned about Neymar's prospects for the World Cup, Ancelotti made it clear that no player is guaranteed a place in the squad. He stated, "If we discuss Neymar, we must also consider other players. We need to prioritize Brazil's interests, whether Neymar is included or not. The final roster will be determined after the FIFA date in March. I understand the interest surrounding Neymar, but I want to stress that we are currently in December, and the World Cup is in June. I will finalize the team in May. If Neymar is performing well and deserves to be there, he will be included, and that’s final. I owe no one a favor."
FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw Highlights
The group stage for the FIFA World Cup 2026 was officially revealed during a spectacular Final Draw ceremony held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. The tournament will kick off with Mexico facing South Africa in Group A at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11.
The tournament will be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Other notable matchups include Brazil against Morocco, Netherlands versus Japan, and France taking on Senegal. Additionally, debuting teams such as Cabo Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan will have thrilling matches against Spain, Germany, defending champions Argentina, and Portugal, as detailed on FIFA's official website.