Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Neymar Jr. will remain in the national team squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The decision is critical as Brazil seeks its sixth World Cup title and relies on the veteran forward's playmaking ability to navigate the tournament.
Ancelotti made the announcement during an event at the Museu do Amanhã in Rio de Janeiro. He said that Neymar will not be cut from the roster despite suffering a grade-2 calf injury [1]. The confirmation comes less than two weeks before the tournament's opening match [2].
Ancelotti said he believes Neymar will recover in time to contribute to the campaign. The coach's confidence in the player's recovery timeline suggests a calculated risk to keep the star available for the squad's tactical needs.
There are conflicting reports regarding when Neymar will be match-fit. Some reports indicate that Ancelotti expects the player to be available for the opening match against Morocco [3]. Other reports suggest Neymar could return as early as Brazil's second match of the tournament [4].
Despite the uncertainty of the exact return date, Ancelotti said Neymar's presence remains vital for the team's ambitions. The squad continues to prepare under the coach's guidance as they finalize their strategy for the upcoming competition.
“Neymar will remain in Brazil's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite a grade-2 calf injury.”
By retaining Neymar despite a significant calf injury so close to the tournament start, Ancelotti is prioritizing potential high-impact performance over guaranteed availability. If Neymar returns for the second match or the opener, Brazil gains a primary offensive catalyst; however, carrying an injured player limits the squad's flexibility if the recovery takes longer than expected.
