Ancelotti praises Neymar’s fitness as Brazil weigh 2026 World Cup call-up

Carlo Ancelotti has publicly praised Neymar Jr.’s fitness and match intensity just days before Brazil announces its squad for the 2026 World Cup, remarks that come as reports suggest the 34-year-old could be included in the Seleção’s preliminary list. The endorsement from Brazil’s head coach offers a significant hint that Neymar — who has not been a regular in the national team in recent years — is back in contention for a place at the tournament.

Why it matters

Neymar’s potential recall matters for several reasons: he is one of Brazil’s most experienced attacking players, his inclusion would reshape selection options and bench roles, and it signals Ancelotti’s willingness to judge form and fitness rather than past absences. With Brazil rebuilding around younger talent in recent years, adding Neymar would be a notable adjustment to the squad balance.

What Ancelotti said and what it suggests

Ancelotti told reporters, via Reuters, that Neymar remains an important player for Brazil because of his talent and that his fitness has improved: he can ‘maintain a high intensity in a match’. The coach added he has full autonomy over selection and that any decision will be ‘100% professional’. Those remarks function as both praise for Neymar’s recovery and a reminder that selection will be based on current form and fitness.

Neymar’s club form and comeback at Santos

According to the source, Neymar’s club situation has been central to his return-to-consideration. After leaving Paris Saint-Germain and a spell at Al Hilal that included a serious knee injury, he rejoined Brazilian football with Santos. He reportedly suffered hamstring issues and underwent meniscus surgery in December 2025, but has since returned to a higher level of consistency. The report credits him with six goals and four assists while helping Santos in a difficult season.

Those improvements in fitness and collective play are the reasons Ancelotti highlighted when discussing Neymar’s case ahead of the World Cup selection.

Selection implications for Brazil’s squad

The source says Ancelotti has reportedly included Neymar in Brazil’s preliminary squad, but adds Neymar would not be guaranteed a starting role. The coach is said to have built the current squad around younger players, so Neymar — if selected — may be viewed more as an impact substitute rather than an automatic first-choice. The report also suggests Neymar’s return could come at the expense of Chelsea’s João Pedro, although that outcome is described as possible rather than confirmed.

• Ancelotti praised Neymar’s fitness and ability to maintain high intensity in matches (via Reuters).
• Reports indicate Neymar may be in Brazil’s preliminary 2026 World Cup squad.
• Neymar has recovered from meniscus surgery (December 2025) and is credited with six goals and four assists for Santos in the campaign covered by the source.
• If recalled, Neymar may not be an automatic starter and could be used as an impact substitute.
• The report suggests João Pedro of Chelsea might be affected by Neymar’s inclusion, but this is not confirmed.

Context: Brazil’s squad rebuild and Neymar’s last appearance

The report notes Brazil have been undergoing a squad rebuild with a younger core under Ancelotti after several disappointing results. Neymar’s last appearance for Brazil was in October 2023, meaning a recall for 2026 would mark a return after a significant absence from international duty.

What happens next

Brazil’s official preliminary and final squad announcements for the 2026 World Cup will confirm whether Neymar is selected. Ancelotti’s public praise increases the likelihood of his inclusion in consideration, but the final decision will depend on the coach’s assessment and Brazil’s official list.