What Ancelotti said about Neymar’s performance in the 2026 World Cup

Neymar has not yet had the opportunity to play under Brazil’s new head coach, Carlo Ancelotti. The star forward missed the first two World Cup qualifiers under the former Real Madrid boss, leading to questions about his future in the national team. Fans were left wondering whether Neymar, who has been Brazil’s mainstay for over a decade, still had a place in the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, Ancelotti has recently provided clarity and assurance, putting those doubts to rest.

In a reassuring statement, Ancelotti confirmed that Neymar remains a crucial part of his plans for Brazil’s World Cup campaign. Brazil, the five-time world champions, have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup through the CONMEBOL qualifiers. With preparations underway for the tournament, which will be hosted in the United States, Ancelotti has emphasized Neymar's importance to the team. Speaking in an interview on Thursday, the Italian coach expressed both belief in Neymar's ability and hope for his recovery and readiness ahead of the World Cup.

“Neymar is going to be an important player for our team in the World Cup,” Ancelotti stated. “He has to prepare well. That time is also in his hands. I have spoken to Neymar about preparing properly. We believe that Neymar can play an important role in the World Cup.”

Neymar, once considered among the best forwards in the world, has drifted away from the spotlight of European football. After stints with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, the 32-year-old forward briefly played for Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal. However, his time in Saudi Arabia was cut short due to a serious injury sustained in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023. Following that injury, his contract with Al Hilal was terminated.

Now, Neymar has returned to his roots, signing a contract with his boyhood club Santos in Brazil, where he is set to play until the end of 2025. This move has been welcomed by fans in Brazil, and many see it as a chance for Neymar to regain fitness and form in a more familiar environment. Though he has not played for the national team since his injury, Neymar has reportedly been in regular contact with the coaching staff regarding his recovery and return.

Ancelotti’s confidence in Neymar is a major boost not only for the player but also for Brazilian supporters, who have long viewed Neymar as the face of the team. Despite the recent injury setbacks, Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, having netted 79 goals in 128 international appearances. His technical skills, creativity, and leadership continue to be valuable assets for the squad.

Brazil is scheduled to play World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia in September. If Neymar’s recovery progresses as expected, there is a strong chance he will be fit to return to international action in those matches. These games could be crucial in helping him ease back into the national setup before the World Cup kicks off next year.

As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins, Neymar’s return could be perfectly timed. With Ancelotti at the helm and a talented pool of young players around him, Brazil will be looking to end their two-decade-long wait for a sixth World Cup title. And if Neymar can stay fit and focused, he may very well be the key to Brazil’s success on the world stage once again.