Brazil’s national football team head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has issued a stern warning to forwards Neymar and Vinicius Jr., stating that they risk missing the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if they are not fully fit and consistent in their performances.
Speaking to Esporte Record, the Italian tactician emphasized that competition for places in the Brazilian attack is intense, and only players performing at their best will be considered for selection.
“There are many very good players, I need to choose players who are at 100%. It’s not just Neymar, it could be Vinicius,” Ancelotti said. “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 attack, we have many very good players.”
Since taking over the Selecao last summer, Ancelotti has not called up Neymar for any matches. The superstar has missed a total of eight games under the Italian coach, a decision that has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the future of Brazil’s attack.
Neymar, 31, has long been one of Brazil’s key players, contributing crucial goals and assists in both the FIFA World Cup and Copa America tournaments. However, Ancelotti’s approach suggests that form, fitness, and consistency will take priority over reputation when choosing the squad for the 2026 tournament.
Vinicius Jr., 24, has emerged as one of Brazil’s most promising talents, impressing at club level with Real Madrid in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Yet, Ancelotti’s warning indicates that even young stars cannot take their spot for granted.
Brazil is known for producing world-class attacking players, and Ancelotti has highlighted the depth of talent available for the 2026 World Cup. The coach’s insistence on selecting players at peak performance reflects his commitment to assembling a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
“This is a message to the whole squad: everyone has to be ready, everyone has to perform at the highest level,” said sports analyst Carlos Mendes. “Ancelotti wants a competitive team, and that means tough decisions for players like Neymar and Vinicius.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, will be one of the largest tournaments in history, featuring an expanded 48-team format. Brazil, five-time World Cup champions, will enter the tournament as one of the favorites.
However, injuries or dips in form among key players could impact the team’s performance. Ancelotti’s approach reflects a broader trend in modern football, where national coaches prioritize fitness, tactical discipline, and consistency over past reputation or star power.
If Neymar and Vinicius fail to meet the required standards, Brazil could turn to other talented forwards such as Richarlison, Gabriel Martinelli, and Antony, who have all shown strong form in club competitions.
Carlo Ancelotti, a veteran coach with experience in Europe’s top clubs, is known for his pragmatic approach to team selection. He has previously managed elite players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé, emphasizing balance, fitness, and tactical awareness.
In Brazil, Ancelotti appears determined to apply the same principles, ensuring that players selected for the World Cup are fully prepared to perform under the pressure of international competition.
News of the potential exclusion of Neymar and Vinicius has generated significant discussion on social media. Some fans support Ancelotti’s decision, arguing that fitness and consistency are critical for success in a demanding tournament. Others express concern, noting that Brazil’s attack relies heavily on these two players for creativity and goal-scoring.
“It’s tough love from the coach,” said Luiz Carvalho, a Brazilian football fan. “Neymar and Vinicius are incredible players, but they must be at their best if Brazil wants to win the World Cup.”
With the 2026 World Cup still several months away, players have time to demonstrate their fitness and form in upcoming club and national team matches. Ancelotti’s warning sends a clear signal: no player is untouchable, and only those performing at their peak will represent Brazil on the world stage.
