Big Carlo Ancelotti will announce Brazil’s 26-man squad for the imminent 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, 18 May.
The big question on Brazilians’ minds is: will the superstar Neymar be included in the team?
A survey by the Datafolha institute shows that 53% of Brazilians want Neymar at the World Cup, while 34% are against it and 13% remained undecided. In all, the head coach will decide Neymar’s future.
When the veteran Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti was quizzed about the chances of the all-time top scorer for the Selecao making the trip to the USA, Canada and Mexico, the 66-year-old said that it will all depend on the former Barcelona and PSG star.
“Neymar’s call-up depends only on him,” Carlo revealed. “It depends on what the player shows on the pitch. That’s a very clear criterion, and that is not only for Neymar. With most players, you need to assess talent and physical condition. With Neymar, we only need to assess his physical condition because his talent is beyond question. It depends on him, not on me”, he added.
Neymar looks certain to be on the plane to North America had Ancelotti’s criteria been based on talent alone. The Italian revealed that his players will need to show that they are in immense physical condition to be considered, making it look unlikely that Neymar will be part of it.
The 34-year-old has not played for the Brazil national team since October 2023 due to incessant injuries.
Rumours say that Neymar Jnr will be part of the team as Ancelotti and his coaching staff are contemplating omitting Chelsea’s Joao Pedro to make way for the Santos forward.
Chelsea’s Estevao is a major doubt, while Real Madrid duo of Rodrygo Goes and Eder Militao will miss the tournament due to injuries.
Brazil are stuck in attack with talents like Vinicius Jnr, Raphinha, Endryk, Matheus Cunha, Joao Pedro, Gabriel Martinelli, Luis Enrique, Igor Thiago and Igor Jesus all in contention for a place in the squad for this summer’s football festival.
