Brazil Coach Carlo Ancelotti on Neymar's World Cup Chances

Neymar needs to be in top physical condition says Ancelotti

Brazil's World Cup coach Carlo Ancelotti on Neymar's fitness and World Cup spot — Neymar needs to be in top physical shape for World Cup, says Ancelotti.

“I spoke with him ... Everything is clear, the idea remains the same...”

Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti emphasized that Neymar's physical condition will be crucial for his inclusion in the national team for the 2026 World Cup. Ancelotti believes that despite Neymar's undeniable talent, modern football demands players to be in top physical shape to maximize their abilities.

Neymar was left out of Brazil's squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia, with Ancelotti citing a minor leg muscle injury as the reason. However, Neymar disputed this, stating he was excluded for technical reasons. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing concerns about Neymar's fitness, particularly given his serious knee ligament injuries in October 2023 that have hindered his comeback attempts.

Ancelotti envisions Neymar playing a central role in the team, either as an attacking midfielder or striker, where his physical attributes will be less of a liability. In modern football, Ancelotti believes forwards need to possess physical quality to excel in central positions. This tactical approach could help Neymar contribute effectively to the team if he regains his best physical condition.

“We are not going to observe how Neymar plays, obviously. Everyone knows his talent,” Ancelotti told ESPN Brasil on Friday.

“In modern football, to take advantage of his talent, the player has to be in good physical condition. If he is in his best physical condition, he will have no problems being in the national team.

“Everyone wants Neymar in the national team in good physical condition. I spoke with him and I said, 'You have time to prepare in the best way to be there and help the team try to do their best in the World Cup'.”

Neymar's return to Santos has been marked by flashes of brilliance, but his struggles were starkly exposed in a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Vasco da Gama last month. The Brazilian superstar left the pitch in tears, visibly frustrated and disappointed by the team's performance. This defeat was not only a setback for Santos but also a personal low point for Neymar, who admitted feeling ashamed and angry about the team's display.

Reaction to the Defeat

Neymar's emotional response to the loss underscored the depth of his investment in the team's success. “I'm ashamed,xl” he said. “I'm totally disappointed with our performance. The fans have every right to protest, obviously without using violence.” This defeat marked the heaviest loss of Neymar's professional career and led to the sacking of Santos' coach, Cleber Xavier.

Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti believes Neymar can play a pivotal role in the team, envisioning him in central positions, either as an attacking midfielder or striker. Ancelotti thinks Neymar's skills would be maximized in these roles, where physical attributes are less of a liability. This tactical approach could help Neymar contribute effectively to the team if he regains his best form.

“I spoke with him ... Everything is clear, the idea remains the same,” Ancelotti said.

“He can't play on the outside because modern football needs forwards who have physical quality, it's very important. He can play as an attacking midfielder without problems.”

Brazil has already secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup and is set to face South Korea in a friendly match on October 10 at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. This match marks Brazil's return to South Korea since June 2022, when they won 5-1 with Neymar scoring twice from the penalty spot.

These friendlies are part of Brazil's preparation for the 2026 World Cup under coach Carlo Ancelotti, who aims to gain a deeper understanding of his players' characteristics and personalities. After these matches, Brazil plans to play against African national teams in November and top-tier European teams in March and June 2026.

Brazil's Recent Performance

Brazil's recent performance has been notable, with Neymar expected to feature prominently in the team's attacking lineup alongside Vinicius Junior and Raphinha. The team's upcoming friendlies will serve as a crucial test in their preparation for the World Cup.