Neymar’s World Cup Dream in Jeopardy as Fitness Questioned

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup rapidly approaching—set to begin on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico—Brazil’s ambition to secure a record-breaking sixth title remains unwavering. Yet, uncertainty surrounds the participation of their star player, Neymar, as recent developments highlight growing concerns over his fitness ahead of the tournament.

During a speech at the World Cup Trophy Tour event in Brasília’s Palácio do Planalto, Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, reaffirmed his full confidence in the national team’s new head coach, Carlo Ancelotti. Lula expressed his belief that Brazil would indeed win the World Cup under Ancelotti’s leadership, praising the Italian tactician as “serious and organised.” However, it was his remarks on Neymar’s future with the team that have raised alarms.

Lula openly referenced Ancelotti’s uncompromising stance on squad selection, stating that only fully fit players would be chosen for the competition. “No one will be picked based on their name,” Lula declared. “Only players who are playing, training, and fully prepared will make the team.” The clear implication was that fitness—not fame—would be the deciding factor for inclusion.

Neymar, now 33 years old, has not played for Brazil since October 17, 2023, when he sustained a significant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear during a match against Uruguay. This injury has kept him sidelined for several months, putting his World Cup participation in jeopardy. After a challenging period with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Neymar returned to his boyhood club, Santos, in January 2025. Since his return, he has appeared in 21 matches, starting 17 of them. He has scored eight goals and provided one assist, including a memorable brace against Vasco da Gama in a 2-1 victory, which has reignited hope about his fitness and World Cup prospects.

Despite this, Ancelotti’s selection criteria remain stringent. In a December 2025 interview with Esporte Record, the coach stressed that only players who are “100% fit” would make the squad, even if it meant leaving out established stars like Neymar. “If Neymar or even Vinícius Júnior is not fully ready, I will opt for others who are,” Ancelotti explained. This puts Neymar’s World Cup chances in serious jeopardy, especially with younger talents like Chelsea’s Estevao and Bournemouth’s Ryan coming into the fold.

Brazil’s forward positions are fiercely competitive, with Neymar now facing increasing pressure to prove his readiness in the coming months. With a strong pool of emerging players, the battle for spots in the final 26-man squad will be intense. Neymar’s ability to meet Ancelotti’s strict fitness standards will be crucial to determining whether he earns a place.

In the lead-up to the final squad announcement, Brazil will play two important friendlies: one against France on March 26 and another against Croatia on March 31, 2026. These matches will provide Neymar—and other prospective players—with a vital opportunity to prove their form and fitness in preparation for the World Cup.

The final decision on Brazil’s 26-man squad will be announced in late May 2026, just weeks before the tournament begins. For Neymar, this period will be pivotal in determining whether his long-held World Cup dream becomes a reality.

Key Details of Neymar’s World Cup Situation

As Neymar continues his battle to regain full fitness, his spot in Brazil’s squad remains uncertain. With a host of new talents emerging and the weight of meeting Ancelotti’s rigorous standards, only time will tell whether Neymar can fulfil his World Cup aspirations in 2026.