Ancelotti Gives Neymar Deadline to Prove Fitness for 2026 World Cup Ahead of Potential Return

Brazil's World Cup coach Carlo Ancelotti has left the door ajar for Neymar Jr. to reclaim his place in the national team, stating the forward has two months to prove he is fully fit and ready to contribute to Brazil's campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Italian tactician, who has long emphasized that selection hinges on performance and physical readiness, reiterated that Neymar remains under consideration provided he meets the required standards. This comes amid ongoing speculation about the player's potential return to the squad after a prolonged absence from international duty.

Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has not featured for the national team since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023. His recovery has been marked by intermittent appearances for Santos, where he has shown glimpses of his former form but has struggled to maintain consistency. His exclusion from Brazil's recent warm-up matches against France and Croatia—despite fan protests following a 2-1 defeat to the French in Boston—has fueled questions about his chances of securing a spot in Ancelotti's 26-man World Cup squad. The coach, however, has remained resolute, stating that attention should focus on the players selected rather than those left out.

In an interview with French newspaper *L'Equipe*, Ancelotti acknowledged Neymar's talent and suggested the forward is still part of the coach's calculations as Brazil finalizes its World Cup preparations. "He's a great talent, and it's normal that people think he can help us win the next World Cup," Ancelotti said. "He's currently being evaluated by the CBF [Brazilian Football Confederation], by me, and he still has two months to show that he has the qualities to play in the next World Cup. After his knee injury, Neymar has made a good comeback; he's scoring goals. He needs to continue in this direction and improve his fitness. He's on the right track."

Brazil's World Cup group stage will begin on June 13 in New Jersey, with the team facing Group C opponents Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. The tournament, set to run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, presents a critical opportunity for Ancelotti to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. Whether Neymar will be part of that effort remains uncertain, but the coach's comments signal that the player's return is not off the table—if he can prove his fitness in the coming months.