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Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti has responded to growing speculation surrounding Neymar’s inclusion in the Selecao squad for the 2026 World Cup. The Italian strategist is confronted with a huge decision as the country’s all-time leading scorer fights to regain full fitness before the tournament kicks off next month.

The crucial selection crossroads

With Brazil eagerly waiting for the official squad announcement from Rio de Janeiro on Monday, all attention has turned to Neymar. At 34, the legendary forward continues to hold the record as the Selecao’s top scorer, yet his recent years have been marred by long-term injuries that disrupted his consistency. As the World Cup draws near, Ancelotti must balance the star’s technical brilliance with the physical intensity required by his demanding tactical setup.

“When you have to make a choice, there are many factors to consider,” Ancelotti said in an interview with Reuters. “Neymar is a key player for Brazil because of the immense talent he has always displayed. But he has faced challenges and is putting in great effort to return to top condition. His progress in recent weeks has been significant and he is playing more regularly now. It’s certainly not an easy decision for me. We must carefully weigh all the positives and negatives.”

Team unity around the veteran star

Public opinion remains split on whether the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker should make the trip to North America, but Ancelotti acknowledged that Neymar’s influence within the squad is undeniable. The coach stressed that the forward continues to hold the respect and affection of his teammates, a factor that could strengthen team spirit rather than disrupt it. For Ancelotti, maintaining harmony in the camp is essential as Brazil pursues a record-extending sixth World Cup crown.

“I fully understand that Neymar is very much loved — not only by the fans but also by his teammates,” Ancelotti remarked. “This is an element we must take into account, because the atmosphere around his selection is important. It’s not as if including him would cause turmoil in the dressing room. He’s well-liked and deeply respected. It’s natural for players to have their say, and I appreciate everyone’s input. But ultimately, the responsibility for making this decision lies with me — and I’m the one best placed to do it.”

Performance and fitness take priority over emotions

Although the decision carries emotional weight, Ancelotti maintains that his final call will be guided strictly by performance data and fitness levels. His tactical approach demands high pressing and energy from the front line, and the coach has been carefully assessing Neymar’s recent displays. According to Ancelotti, the forward’s ability to sustain intensity throughout matches will be the decisive factor.

“He has shown a lot of improvement in his fitness in recent games,” the coach observed. “He’s produced some strong performances lately, and his stamina has clearly improved. He can sustain a high tempo during matches. But every match is different… I haven’t been influenced by anyone to select Neymar. I have full independence. This decision will be made purely on professional grounds. I will judge him only as a football player — nothing beyond that.”

Countdown to the final announcement

The suspense will come to an end on Monday, May 18, when Ancelotti reveals his final list. The veteran coach remains confident that he can assemble a balanced squad, even though he admits that satisfying Brazil’s passionate fan base is nearly impossible. Having lifted league titles in each of Europe’s top five competitions, Ancelotti is drawing on decades of experience to withstand heavy media scrutiny and public pressure.

“Can I build a flawless squad? That’s impossible! But I can create one with fewer mistakes than most others could. That much I’m sure of,” Ancelotti concluded. The coach added that the internal mood within the team would stay positive regardless of his final choice — though public reaction will largely depend on whether the name of the Santos-born superstar appears among the 26 players chosen to represent Brazil on football’s biggest stage.