Neymar on Ancelotti´s list for World Cup but ´needs to show performance´

Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar is on the list of players who could represent Brazil at the World Cup, but warned he will be monitoring the star closely over the next six months.

Brazil booked their spot in the 2026 tournament by finishing fifth in the CONMEBOL qualifying standings, 10 points behind Argentina in top spot.

Neymar has been a regular topic for Ancelotti since he took charge of Brazil in May, with the 33-year-old not featuring in any of the Italian’s squads so far.

Indeed, Neymar has not featured for Brazil since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) against Uruguay in October 2023.

Following his recovery, he returned to his boyhood club Santos, but has also struggled with injuries during his spell there, too.

Ancelotti has made it clear that he wants to take Neymar to the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and he is going to keep a close eye on the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona attacker before the next international break in March.

“Neymar is on the list of players who could be at the World Cup,” Ancelotti said ahead of Brazil’s friendly against Tunisia.

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“Neymar has recovered, but he needs to show performance. When the Brazilian league ends, he’ll have some vacation time, and then he must show his quality and physical condition again.

“Now we have six months before the final list. We simply need to monitor him, as we do with the others, to see whether to make any changes to the final team.

“We are working to arrive at the World Cup in the best possible condition. We are on the right track. Until March, I can change the players, but I have full confidence that those who are selected will be ready for the event.”

Brazil play their final match of 2025 against Tunisia on Tuesday, and will find out their World Cup group in the draw taking place on December 5.