Carlo Ancelotti's Tough Stance: Vinicius Jr Must Be 100% Fit for World Cup

Brazil Coach Carlo Ancelotti warns Vinicius Jr over fitness

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti insists Vinicius Jr must be fully fit to make the World Cup squad, echoing a similar warning given to Neymar earlier.

“It's not just about Neymar, it could be Vinicius. If Vinicius is at 90%, I will call up another player who is at 100%...”

Carlo Ancelotti's making it clear: Vinicius Jr. needs to be fully fit if he wants a spot in Brazil's World Cup squad next year. The Brazil coach is sticking to his guns, saying he'll only pick players who are 100% ready.

Ancelotti's been consistent about this - he wants his players to be game-ready, no excuses. He gave a similar warning to Neymar back in October, saying the forward would need to be fully fit to earn a recall. Now it's Vinicius Jr.'s turn to step up.

Carlo Ancelotti's expectations are clear: he wants his players to be 100% fit, and that's non-negotiable. In an interview, the Italian coach said, “There are many high-quality players and I need to choose those who are at 100%,” emphasizing that he's looking for players who are fully ready to contribute to the team.

Ancelotti's applying the same standards to every player, including Vinicius Jr. and Neymar. He's not making exceptions, and he's warning his players to step up and get fit if they want a spot in the World Cup squad. It's a tough message, but Ancelotti's all about getting the best out of his team.

🚨 Carlo Ancelotti: "Vinicius Junior must be in full physical fitness. There are many special players, and I have to choose players in their full physical fitness."

"Not only Neymar, but also Vinicius. If Vinicius is not in full physical fitness, I will call another player… pic.twitter.com/BVIvBG6Lw9

— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) December 1, 2025

“It's not just about Neymar, it could be Vinicius. If Vinicius is at 90%, I will call up another player who is at 100%, because this is a team with a very high level of competitiveness, especially in attack, where we have many excellent players.”

Vinicius Jr's solo goal against Paraguay in June secured Brazil's spot in the 2026 World Cup, happening from June 11 to July 19 in North America. Before that, Brazil will face France in a warm-up match in Boston from March 23-31.