Ancelotti Sets Strict Fitness Bar for Neymar and Vinícius Ahead of 2026 World Cup

SANTOS, Brazil – Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar and Vinícius Júnior will only be included in his squad for the 2026 World Cup if they are fully fit, stressing that no player will be selected unless he reaches peak physical condition.

Ancelotti, speaking to Brazilian broadcaster Esporte Record, said the national team will not make exceptions for stars recovering from injury. He noted that Brazil has strong competition for attacking places and confirmed that both Neymar and Vinícius will be treated the same as every other candidate.

Neymar, 33, has struggled with recurring knee injuries and has missed most of Brazil’s matches over the past two years. His last international appearance came in October 2023 in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. The forward is currently managing a meniscus issue in his left knee that could require further surgery. He previously underwent ACL and meniscus reconstruction on the same knee in 2023.

Despite the setback, Neymar returned to action for Santos on Friday, scoring in a 3-0 league win over Sport. The result helped lift the club out of the relegation zone with two matches remaining. Neymar said after the match that he is improving physically and intends to continue playing as Santos pushes for top-flight survival.

Ancelotti praised Neymar’s talent and experience but pointed to the player’s run of injuries as a limiting factor. The coach also referenced Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior as another example of a high-profile player who must be fully fit to earn selection, saying he will favor those at “100%” over big names at partial fitness.

Neymar returned to his boyhood club Santos in January and is hoping to feature in his fourth World Cup. The 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada would likely be his final opportunity to play on football’s biggest stage. Ancelotti’s comments reflect Brazil’s depth in attacking positions and signal a merit-based approach as the squad builds toward the tournament.