The door to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not yet closed for Neymar. Despite recent setbacks and questions regarding his international future, the latest statements from the Brazilian national team’s coaching staff have sent incredibly positive signals to the Santos forward.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Davide Ancelotti, assistant manager and son of Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti, confirmed that the iconic attacker remains firmly in their plans for the upcoming tournament in North America.
“He is the nation’s all-time leading scorer and absolutely has a chance,” Davide Ancelotti stated. “Neymar still has time to prove himself and claim a place on this list.”
The Final Audition: 15 Matches to Prove Himself
While the coaching staff still values his historic pedigree, Neymar’s inclusion is not guaranteed. His selection will depend entirely on his physical condition and on-pitch performances over the coming weeks. With the official Brazilian squad list scheduled to be announced on May 18 (ahead of the May 30 FIFA deadline), Carlo Ancelotti retains full discretion over the final roster.
Because there is no international break prior to the squad announcement, Neymar’s World Cup audition will take place entirely at the club level. Over the next two months, he has approximately 15 crucial matches across three different competitions to convince the Ancelottis that he is ready for the global stage.
The veteran forward will have plenty of opportunities to shine during a congested schedule for Santos:
- Campeonato Brasileiro: Santos is currently struggling domestically, sitting in 15th place with just 10 points after 10 matchdays. Neymar has eight crucial league fixtures left before the World Cup break to help pull his team up the table.
- Copa do Brasil: Santos faces a two-legged Round of 16 tie against Coritiba, scheduled for late April and mid-May.
- Copa Sudamericana: Continental fixtures will also provide a stage for Neymar to demonstrate his fitness and tactical sharpness against diverse South American opposition.
Experience vs. Temperament
It is no coincidence that the national team staff continues to emphasize Neymar’s importance. Having surpassed the legendary Pelé (77 goals), Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with an astonishing 79 goals in 129 appearances since his debut in 2010. His unparalleled experience, vision, and talent could prove invaluable in high-pressure World Cup knockout matches.
However, the forward still needs to maintain his discipline. During a recent April 3 clash between Santos and Remo, Neymar was involved in sparking an altercation between the two teams, resulting in a yellow card. To secure his ticket to his fourth World Cup, he will need to channel his fiery competitive spirit purely into his footballing performances over this critical 15-game stretch.
