How Neymar can return to Brazil squad for FIFA World Cup 2026: Coach Carlo Ancelotti explains

Neymar, one of the biggest footballers of the modern generation, is now in danger of missing the FIFA World Cup 2026 due to fitness and injury issues. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has not been picked by Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti for the friendlies against France and Croatia on 26 and 31 March, respectively.

The March FIFA window is the final chance for Ancelotti to experiment before he picks his squad for the World Cup 2026, which kicks off on 14 June for Selecao in New Jersey. Brazil's Group C include Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.

Neymar ignored by Brazil again

While Neymar has been facing injury issues, including an ACL and meniscus tear in 2023, which has severely compromised his fitness, it was felt that Ancelotti may still give the Brazilian superstar a chance as he returned to domestic action last weekend after a lengthy break.

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Nonetheless, the former Real Madrid manager Ancelotti has decided to keep the 34-year-old Neymar out of the squad.

Is it all over for Neymar as far as the FIFA World Cup 2026 is concerned? The fans would be delighted to know that Ancelotti has not closed the door completely, but a possible return has conditions attached to it.

How can Nyemar return to Brazil squad?

After making the squad announcement, Ancelotti explained what it will take for Neymar to make a return to the Brazil national football team.

"Neymar can be at the World Cup too," Ancelotti said. "If he can reach the next World Cup at 100 per cent, he can be at the World Cup. Why is he not on this list now? Because he is not 100%. We need players at 100% right now. But as I said, for the final list, the conversation is different. Neymar has to keep working and playing, showing his qualities in a good physical condition."

Reacting to Neymar playing 90 minutes for Santos against Corinthians at the weekend, Ancelotti said: "It is a physical evaluation. It is not a technical evaluation. Neymar with the ball is very good. For the coaching staff, for me, he is not at 100% of his potential. He has to work to be at 100% of his possibilities. This is an opinion of mine and of the entire staff that sees and will see his games in the coming months."

It's a fact that Neymar has played only four matches this year due to a knee surgery and muscle strain. And while he remains one of the biggest names in Brazilian football, his selection for the FIFA World Cup is impossible till he regains maybe 110% fitness.

For the unversed, Neymar last played for Brazil in October 2023 against Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier.