Brazil national team manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke on Tuesday about Neymar’s current form and the ongoing speculation surrounding his inclusion in the 2026 World Cup squad. In an interview with Reuters, the Italian coach assessed the player’s physical progress over recent weeks and addressed the responsibility of finalizing the roster, which will be announced next Monday in Rio de Janeiro.
Ancelotti downplayed external pressure and public calls from other Brazil players advocating for Neymar’s spot. He said it is natural for teammates to voice their opinions and highlighted Neymar’s positive presence in the locker room. “Neymar is very loved—not only by the people but also by the players. If you call Neymar, you’re not bringing a bomb into the dressing room because he is very popular, very loved. I think it’s normal for everyone to give their opinion. I thank all those who have given me advice,” the coach stated.
Neymar is included in the preliminary 55-man squad submitted to FIFA, from which 26 final players will be selected, with allowances for injury replacements. Ancelotti praised Neymar’s dedication to recovery and noted a clear improvement in performance and consistency over the past three weeks. “In that regard, Neymar is an important player for this country, given the talent he has always shown. He had a problem, he is recovering, he is working hard to get back, he is playing. In recent times, he has improved a lot and is playing with continuity,” the Italian evaluated. Despite the praise, he acknowledged the difficulty of the decision. “Obviously, for me, it’s not a simple decision. I have to weigh the pros and cons carefully. But that doesn’t put pressure on me because, as I said, we’ve been evaluating not only Neymar but all players for a year,” Ancelotti added.
When asked about the media frenzy and potential impact on team concentration if the star is called up, the coach remained calm and assured that external distractions would not affect the squad. “The external environment is under control and will remain under control until the end of the World Cup—with or without Neymar,” he stated. Ancelotti also expressed confidence in his coaching staff’s thorough observation work over the preparation cycle. “I am the most qualified person to make this decision. Because the information I have about all Brazilian players this year, no one else has. So I am the most qualified. Can I make a perfect list? Impossible. But I can make a list with fewer errors compared to others. Of that, I am sure,” he concluded.
