Head coach Carlo Ancelotti is facing his first major test at the helm of the Brazilian national team after opting to include Neymar in the preliminary squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
In an exclusive interview with Reuters, the Italian tactician firmly stated that his final selection will be based entirely on sporting merit, rather than sentimentality or the 34-year-old superstar’s legendary reputation.
Balancing Legacy with Current Reality
While Neymar holds the prestigious title of Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, his recent career has been plagued by a relentless cycle of injuries. Since making his return to his boyhood club, Santos, he has struggled to maintain consistent form. This sharp decline in physical reliability has turned the former Barcelona and PSG forward’s potential involvement in the 2026 World Cup into a highly polarizing debate across Brazil.
Ancelotti openly acknowledged Neymar’s monumental influence on the nation’s footballing identity. “Neymar is a very important player for this country because of the talent he has always shown,” Ancelotti explained. “But he has had many problems and is trying to recover. Neymar has improved a lot recently and is playing more regularly. This is clearly not an easy decision. When making a choice, you have to consider many things. We need to carefully evaluate the pros and cons.”
Immunity to External Pressure
Despite the intense media scrutiny and fierce public debate, Ancelotti insists he is completely insulated from any external pressure—whether from the press, the fans, or other players—regarding Neymar’s status.
“I have full authority to decide,” the veteran manager stated. “This will be a 100% professional choice. I only care about how Neymar is performing as a football player, nothing else. I know how much Neymar is loved by the fans and the players. That is also a factor to consider. But I don’t think his presence will negatively affect the team. The atmosphere in the squad is very positive right now.”
The Tactical Dilemma
Ultimately, the biggest hurdle for Neymar may not be his overall health, but his ability to adapt to Ancelotti’s modern tactical demands. The Italian strategist is focused on building a highly energetic, high-pressing Brazilian squad. This system strictly requires all forwards to constantly track back and contribute heavily to defensive duties—a demanding role that conflicts with Neymar’s current physical limitations.
Brazil has officially submitted its preliminary 55-man roster to FIFA. Moving forward, Ancelotti and his coaching staff will continue to closely monitor all players’ performances and fitness levels before making the ruthless cuts necessary to finalize the official 2026 World Cup squad.
