Vini backs Neymar for World Cup, but leaves call to Ancelotti | OneFootball

Forward Vinícius Júnior said in a press conference this Wednesday that he hopes his friend Neymar will be called up for the 2026 World Cup. The Real Madrid player, however, said the decision is up to coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Vini believes that, alongside Raphinha of Barcelona, he has been one of Brazil’s best players in recent seasons. However, he acknowledges Neymar’s greatness with the Brazilian National Team and wants to play alongside his idol at the World Cup.

“In recent seasons, I’ve been one of the best. Raphinha was the best or second-best last season and is doing a great job at Barcelona. Casemiro goes without saying as well — he has a lot of experience. We have many players willing to do everything for the national team. I may be biased when talking about Ney; he’s one of my idols, and I’ve followed his entire career. He’s a friend,” the player said.

“I always wish the best for him. He’s doing everything he can to return to the national team and help us. He has always had great moments here, he is the top scorer for the greatest national team in the world, but now the decision is up to the coach. We always want to play with the best, and he is one of the best,” he added.

Ancelotti downplays the pressure

Carlo Ancelotti revealed that he has heard the calls from fans and influencers for Neymar to be included in the squad. The experienced coach respects other opinions and downplayed the pressure.

“I watch everything, I listen to everything. Then I have to make a decision. That’s normal. In football, everyone can have an opinion; there’s no university or exact science for it. You can have an opinion on whether a team plays well or not, whether a player is good or not. Everyone has their own opinion, and I respect everyone’s opinion,” he said.

Neymar was left out of the squad for the friendlies against France and Croatia because of his physical condition. In Ancelotti’s view, the Santos attacking midfielder is not “100% physically fit.”

The star still has time to convince the coach that he deserves to be taken to the World Cup. The squad for the tournament will be announced by the Italian on May 18, less than two months from now.

Brazil National Team’s upcoming matches

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Schedule leading up to the World Cup

Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup will be announced by Carlo Ancelotti on May 18. On May 25, the group will begin preparations for the tournament at Granja Comary, in Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro.

The national team’s final match on home soil will be on May 31 against Panama at the Maracanã. The delegation will travel to the United States on June 1 and will have one final test before the start of the World Cup, against Egypt in Cleveland on June 6.

Brazil has been drawn into Group C of the World Cup. The group also includes Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland.

Brazil will make its debut on June 13 against Morocco in New Jersey. Six days later, on June 19, the team will face Haiti in Philadelphia. The Canarinho will wrap up its group-stage campaign on June 24 against Scotland in Miami.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.