Neymar and Vinicius Jr. will not be assured a spot in the squad for the 2026 World Cup unless they are totally fit and playing at their best, Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti has made clear to his star attackers.
Ancelotti emphasized the importance of peak performance in a recent interview with Esporte Record, especially for a team full of attacking talent. “There are many very good players, I need to choose players who are at 100%. He stated, “It’s not just Neymar; Vinicius might be involved.
Fitness will be the deciding element for his choices, the Italian manager continued. He stated, “If Vinicius is at 90%, I’ll call up another player who is at 100%, because it’s a team with a very high level of competition, especially in attack. In offense, we have many extremely good players.”
Ancelotti’s statements emphasize the fierce competitiveness inside the Selecao group, where several excellent attackers are battling for few positions. Since taking command last summer, the coach has yet to call up Neymar, who has subsequently missed eight international matches.
Vinicius Jr. also faces examination, with his inclusion resting solely on his physical readiness and consistent performances at club level.
Both Neymar and Vinicius, who have earned their names in European club football, will now be under pressure to maintain peak condition and deliver frequently if they expect to figure in Brazil’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
