Neymar enters decisive week in bid for World Cup call-up | OneFootball

Neymar has entered a pivotal week in his push to reach the World Cup, with Carlo Ancelotti set to reveal the final squad at 17:00 on Monday 18 at the Museu do Amanhã in Rio de Janeiro.

The Santos No 10 can feature twice beforehand. According to Diario Do Peixe, Cuca’s side face Coritiba on Wednesday 13 at 19:30 at Couto Pereira in the fifth-round Copa do Brasil decider.

They then meet again on Sunday 17 at 11:00 at Neo Química Arena in the 16th round of the Brasileirão, one day before the announcement. The fixture had been scheduled for Vila Belmiro but was moved to the capital following lobbying by the board.

Since returning to Santos, a key plank of the plan around his comeback has been the club’s support for his World Cup preparation. With what could be the last tournament of his career in mind, he has contributed with goals and assists.

In 2025 he sustained three muscle injuries and missed time, having been called up by Dorival Jr only to be withdrawn after a March setback. Late in the year, despite a meniscus issue, he took on a leading role and helped Santos avoid relegation in the Brasileirão run-in. He then underwent arthroscopy that ruled him out at the start of 2026.

Back since February, Neymar has 6 goals and 3 assists from 13 games in 2026. Since taking charge of the national team, Ancelotti has repeatedly fielded questions over the player’s fitness and potential inclusion.

With a week to go, Neymar is aiming to make a late case to the coach.

Source: Diario Do Peixe