Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has raised concerns regarding Neymar’s fitness as the 2026 World Cup approaches. Ancelotti has not selected Neymar for his squad since he assumed the coaching role in May.

“If Neymar deserves to be (in the squad), if he is better than others, he will play in the World Cup and that’s it,” Ancelotti stated during a press conference in Washington. “(But) I don’t owe anything to anyone.”

Brazil is placed in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland.

Ancelotti emphasized, “If we discuss Neymar, we also need to consider other players. We are planning for Brazil with or without Neymar and other players. Our final squad will be confirmed after the FIFA fixtures in March.”

Despite a significant ACL injury suffered in October 2023 against Uruguay, Neymar remains pivotal in Santos’ battle against relegation in the Brazilian league. Notably, he recently netted a hat trick for Santos despite struggling with a muscle injury. He is anticipated to play on Sunday against Cruzeiro.

Ancelotti commented on Brazil’s current player landscape, explaining that there is no single reference player at present, a title typically held by Neymar since the 2014 World Cup.

“We have some of the world’s top goalkeepers, defenders, and midfielders, as well as some capable forwards,” he asserted. “I’m looking for players who aim to win the World Cup, not just those who want to individually excel.”

Regarding his group’s potential, Ancelotti stated Brazil aims to secure victories in all three matches, as they seek competitive performance throughout the World Cup. “Our target is to reach the final, and achieving that will require facing formidable opponents,” he added.

Brazil last claimed a World Cup title in 2002.