Neymar’s World Cup Dream in Doubt Amid Fitness Struggles

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, with the tournament set to kick off on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Brazil’s hopes of securing a record-breaking sixth title remain strong. However, recent developments have thrown uncertainty over star player Neymar’s participation in the prestigious event.

Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has thrown his full support behind the team’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, in a speech at the World Cup Trophy Tour event in Brasília’s Palácio do Planalto. Lula firmly stated his belief that Brazil will win the World Cup under Ancelotti’s leadership, praising the Italian coach as “serious and organised,” sending a strong message of national trust. Yet, it was his comments on Neymar’s future with the team that have stirred concerns.

Lula referenced Ancelotti’s stance on squad selection, where the coach has made it clear that only fully fit players will be selected for the tournament. “No one will be chosen based on their name,” Lula said. “Only those who are playing, training, and prepared will make the team.” This statement made it clear that physical fitness is paramount for inclusion in the squad, regardless of a player’s reputation or past achievements.

Neymar, now 33, last represented Brazil on October 17, 2023, in a match against Uruguay, where he suffered a serious injury—an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. This injury has kept him sidelined for several months, further complicating his road to recovery. After a disappointing stint at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Neymar returned to his childhood club, Santos, in January 2025. Since then, he has played 21 matches, starting 17 of them, scoring eight goals and providing one assist. His recent form, including a notable performance against Vasco da Gama with two goals in a 2-1 victory, has brought renewed optimism for his World Cup hopes.

However, Ancelotti’s fitness-driven selection policy could prove a hurdle for Neymar. In an interview with Esporte Record in December 2025, Ancelotti stressed that only players who are fully fit—100% ready—would be selected, even if it meant overlooking players with a strong pedigree like Neymar. The coach made it clear that, if Neymar or even Vinícius Júnior is not at peak physical condition, he would opt for other players in better shape. This puts Neymar’s chances at risk, especially with younger talents like Chelsea’s Estevao and Bournemouth’s Ryan impressing at the club level.

With fierce competition for forward positions in Brazil’s squad, Neymar faces a tough challenge in securing his spot in the final 26-man team. The final decision will be based on his ability to meet Ancelotti’s demanding fitness standards in the months leading up to the tournament.

Before the squad is finalised, Brazil will play two high-profile friendly matches: one against France on March 26, and another against Croatia on March 31, 2026. These fixtures will provide Neymar and other contenders with the opportunity to showcase their readiness for the World Cup.

The final 26-man squad is expected to be announced in late May 2026, just weeks before the tournament begins. Neymar’s fitness will be crucial in determining his place in the squad, and the coming months will be pivotal in shaping his World Cup dreams.

Key Details of Neymar’s World Cup Situation

As Neymar fights to regain peak fitness and prove his readiness for the World Cup, his future in Brazil’s squad remains uncertain. With emerging talents on the rise and the looming selection criteria, only time will tell whether Neymar will be able to fulfil his dream of representing his country at the 2026 World Cup.