Carlo Ancelotti warns Neymar that he won’t be called up to the World Cup unless he is 100% fit
The Brazil national team coach was clear in stating that he will not consider the Santos player if he is only at 80% fitness.
The countdown to the greatest show on Earth has entered its most decisive phase. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off in just four months across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, national teams are facing their most agonizing hurdle: finalizing the definitive rosters. For the "Pentacampeã," the pressure isn't just to compete; it’s a historical mandate to bring the trophy back to Brasília.
The "Ancelotti Era" Takes Flight
The arrival of Carlo Ancelotti to the Brazilian bench marked a tectonic shift in the team's DNA. After decades of relying solely on individual flashes of "Joga Bonito," the Italian mastermind—fresh off his legendary run with Real Madrid—has been tasked with bringing European tactical discipline to the most talented squad on the planet.
Ancelotti's mission is clear: find the balance between defensive solidity and the irreverent offensive flair that defines Brazilian football. "Don Carlo" isn't looking to reinvent the wheel, but rather to ensure the wheel doesn't fall off under the weight of national expectation. His project is built on a collective foundation, designed to stand toe-to-toe with the current European powerhouses that have dominated the last few cycles.
Neymar: The Heartbeat or the Heartbreak?
The biggest question mark hanging over the Granja Comary training center is, undoubtedly, Neymar Jr. The superstar forward underwent knee surgery in December 2025 and is currently in a grueling race against time.
If he makes the cut, this would be Neymar’s fourth World Cup, a milestone that would solidify his status as the spiritual leader of the locker room. However, Ancelotti has been firm: "No risks." The coaching staff has made it clear that while Neymar’s talent is unparalleled, there is no room for sentimentalism or physical liabilities in a tournament of this magnitude. It’s "100% or nothing" for the Santos icon.
The Path to Glory: Group C Breakdown
Brazil’s journey to the final will begin in Group C, where they have been drawn as the top seed. The "Canarinha" will face a diverse set of challenges:
- Morocco: The African giants who proved in 2022 that they fear no one.
- Haiti: A side that will rely on passion and physical resilience.
- Sweden: The Nordic powerhouse that brings tactical organization and aerial threats.
While Brazil is the heavy favorite to win the group, the memory of past upsets remains fresh. Ancelotti’s message to the fans has been one of cautious optimism: "The list isn't closed because there is no room for complacency. Every position is still being fought for."
A Nation’s Dream Reawakened
With the roster set to be finalized in the coming weeks, the dream of a sixth World Cup title feels more tangible than it has in twenty years. Under Ancelotti’s steady hand and the potential "Last Dance" of a healthy Neymar, Brazil is ready to remind the world why they are the kings of football.
