Rio De Janeiro: Carlo Ancelotti has addressed the mounting speculation over Neymar’s chances of making Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the final decision will be based on collective needs rather than outside pressure.
The Brazil head coach broke his silence after reports suggested Neymar’s World Cup hopes were “practically zero,” a claim that intensified debate following the forward’s omission from Brazil’s upcoming warm-up fixtures. Speaking ahead of Brazil’s friendly against France in Boston, Ancelotti acknowledged the widespread opinions surrounding the issue but stressed that selection decisions ultimately rest with him.
“I observe everything, I listen to everything. But my role is to make decisions,” Ancelotti said. “It’s normal that everyone has an opinion because football isn’t an exact science. I respect those views, but I must focus on what’s best for the team.”
The conversation escalated after Brazilian legends Romário and Ronaldo Nazário publicly urged Ancelotti to include Neymar if he regains fitness. Romário argued that star quality should outweigh concerns about match sharpness, while Ronaldo insisted he would take Neymar to the tournament if the forward proves physically ready.
The debate has also been fuelled by reports of behind-the-scenes tension between Neymar and officials at the Brazilian Football Confederation, with concerns raised over his reaction to missing the preliminary squad. However, Ancelotti downplayed the noise, reiterating that his focus remains on building a balanced squad capable of competing at the highest level.
While Neymar’s immediate future with the national side remains uncertain, Ancelotti’s comments suggest the door is not fully closed — leaving fans hopeful that Brazil’s record scorer could yet feature on football’s biggest stage next year.
Source: Hindustan Times
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