Ancelotti says Neymar could go to World Cup if 100% after March omission | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti explained Neymar’s omission from Brazil’s March friendlies, saying the forward will only return when fully fit. According to Globo.com, he did not rule him out of the 2026 World Cup, adding this is the last squad before the final list.

Asked if an uncalled player could still go, he said Neymar could be at the World Cup if he reaches 100%. He is not in this squad because he is not 100% now, and March requires players at full capacity.

Ancelotti stressed the decision was physical rather than technical, saying Neymar with the ball looks good but is not yet at his maximum. The staff will keep monitoring him, and he must work to reach full fitness.

The coach attended Mirassol v Santos as planned and declined to discuss Neymar’s absence, saying there was nothing to add.

Brazil staff also watched him against Corinthians at Vila Belmiro, where he mustered three efforts, two from unsuccessful free-kicks and a header wide, after previously scoring twice against Vasco.

This season he has four Santos appearances, with two goals and one assist, after arthroscopy on his left knee late last year. He returned on 15 February against Velo Clube in the final round of the Paulista’s first phase.

Brazil face France on 26 March in Boston and Croatia on 31 March in Orlando, then Panama at the Maracanã on 31 May and Egypt on 6 June in Cleveland.

Source: Globo.com