Sports 15 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ancelotti: Neymar Has Time to Earn Spot in Brazil's 2026 World Cup Squad
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti believes the 34-year-old Neymar can recover from injuries and prove his fitness in the next two months to join the national team for the 2026 World Cup in North America. The Santos captain, Brazil's all-time top scorer with 79 goals, has shown promising form recently despite past setbacks. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/world-cup/brazil-coach-says-neymar-still-has-time-to-make-world-cup-squad-5424444
Brazil’s national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has expressed optimism about Neymar’s chances of making the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. The 34-year-old star, who holds the record for most goals for Brazil with 79, has been sidelined by injuries since 2023.
Ancelotti told L’Equipe that Neymar is under evaluation by the CBF and himself. ‘He still has two months to demonstrate he can play in the World Cup,’ the coach said, adding that Neymar is capable of returning to full fitness.
Neymar underwent knee surgery in December and recent PRP treatment. Now captaining Santos in Brazil’s Serie A, he has netted three goals and provided two assists in five games this season. He played a full 90 minutes in Santos’ recent 1-0 win over Atletico Mineiro.
Santos coach Cuca noted Neymar’s improvement, mentioning extra training and better movement. Last season, in his first professional year back home, Neymar scored eight goals and one assist in 20 appearances.
Despite his talent, Ancelotti has not selected Neymar since taking charge last June, emphasizing that only physically ready players will be called up. Neymar, once a global superstar at Barcelona and PSG, returned to Santos in January 2025 after stints in Saudi Arabia marred by injuries.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)