Is the door to the 2026 World Cup closed for Neymar?

After the list of players called up to the Brazilian national team was announced, with Neymar once again being ignored by coach Carlo Ancelotti, the samba country's media believed that the player with the second most appearances (128 matches) and the most goals (79 goals) was no longer in the plan to participate in the 2026 World Cup.

UOL journalist Rodrigo Mattos revealed that Ancelotti did not believe Neymar was physically ready. UOL journalist Pedro Lopes also affirmed, "Ancelotti's coaching staff has always monitored Neymar, then concluded that the 33-year-old superstar's physical condition is far below the requirements of the national team."

Neymar left Saudi Arabia and returned to Brazil with Santos in January. Since then, he has scored six goals and provided three assists in 22 games, including 17 starts. It is worth noting that during this time, the former Barca and PSG star has also suffered three injuries, with two to his left thigh and one to his right thigh.

Neymar has suffered three injuries, two to his left thigh and one to his right thigh, since January.

Neymar returned to action last Saturday, playing a few minutes in a 1-1 draw with Fortaleza, after missing 48 days with a torn right thigh muscle. His last appearance for Brazil was in 2023, in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. Neymar was also called up in March 2025, but withdrew due to injury.

A few days ago at the headquarters of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ancelotti said he still "has not had any conversations with Neymar", and "everyone is waiting to see when the Santos player can be ready to play again".

The Italian coach also declared that he "only wants to call up the players with the best physical condition for the 2026 World Cup". "I can bring a player who is not fit enough for one or two matches, but I cannot give a player who is not fit enough for the entire World Cup", Ancelotti affirmed.

Spanish newspaper Marca said, "Neymar is increasingly unlikely to participate in the World Cup with Brazil." Mundo Deportivo emphasized, "There is no sign that Neymar can participate in next year's World Cup. Everything indicates that Neymar's time with the Brazilian team is over."

During the FIFA Days in November, Brazil will play friendly matches against Senegal and Tunisia, scheduled for November 15 and 18.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/canh-cua-den-world-cup-2026-da-khep-voi-neymar-post1793800.tpo