“He will have to earn his place for the 2026 World Cup”, Carlo Ancelotti warns Neymar
As Brazil learns its group for the 2026 World Cup, Carlo Ancelotti reminded that Neymar’s participation is by no means guaranteed. The Italian coach demands that the Santos star show impeccable form to hope to play in his fourth World Cup next summer.
Brazil’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has set several conditions before considering Neymar Jr.’s participation in the 2026 World Cup. The next edition of the World Cup, which will take place in June in the United States, Canada and Mexico, had its draw on Thursday at the Kennedy Center in Washington, in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Brazil was drawn into Group C, where it will face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.
Back at Santos, his youth club, after spells at FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Hilal, Neymar is showing encouraging form with 11 goals in 26 appearances, despite a season marked by several physical setbacks. While the press and supporters are already speculating about his possible presence at the World Cup, Ancelotti was keen to clarify his position at the end of the draw:
“I understand the interest around Neymar. But it’s December, the World Cup will take place in June. When I announce the squad in May, if Neymar deserves to be there, if he’s in top form, if he’s better or at least at the same level as the others, he will go to the World Cup. Period.” If the Brazilian forward were to be selected, he would then play in his fourth World Cup after 2014, 2018 and 2022.
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