Ancelotti’s Final Warning Ahead of the 2026 World Cup
Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a clear warning to Neymar: he has six months to prove he deserves a place at the 2026 World Cup. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Breakdown.
Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he tore knee ligaments during a qualifier against Uruguay. Since then, injuries and setbacks have kept him away from the national team picture. The 33-year-old’s move back to Santos after leaving Al-Hilal was meant to restart his career, but fitness issues have slowed his progress.
Ancelotti has avoided calling him up so far, even for Brazil’s upcoming friendly against Tunisia. The Italian coach insists he wants to avoid “mistakes” when choosing his final World Cup squad. Still, the door is not closed.
Ancelotti says Neymar remains one of the players under consideration, but must prove both quality and physical readiness. With the Brazilian league resuming next year, Neymar has a limited window to show he can return to top form.
A Place in the World Cup Squad?
Ancelotti explained that Neymar’s future with Brazil depends entirely on his performances in the coming months. He stressed that modern football demands more than talent, pointing to the importance of intensity, fitness levels, and reliability. Neymar’s reputation alone will not secure a ticket to the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Although Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals, his recent inconsistency has made selection uncertain. Ancelotti wants to see him playing regularly, staying injury-free, and proving that he can handle the physical demands of today’s game. For now, Neymar continues to recover, rebuild rhythm, and chase stability.
The coach also emphasized that Brazil must avoid taking risks when selecting their squad. With a wide pool of talent available, every spot must be earned. Neymar’s status guarantees nothing, but consistent game time could push him back into contention.
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Ancelotti’s Tactical Vision for Neymar
If Neymar returns to form, Ancelotti already has a preferred role in mind. The coach believes the star should play centrally as a No.10 or even a false nine. In modern football, he argues, wingers must defend intensely something Neymar has struggled with physically.
In a central position, he would defend less and have more chances to create and score. Ancelotti believes Neymar’s creativity is more dangerous closer to goal. Playing behind the striker could maximize his strengths and protect him from the physical demands of wide play.
But for this vision to work, Neymar must first prove he can stay fit and deliver consistently at Santos. With only a handful of appearances since returning, he still has much work ahead. His six goals and three assists this season show flashes of quality, but not yet the level required for international return.
A New Future? MLS Talk and the Race Against Time
As the countdown to 2026 continues, Neymar’s club future also remains uncertain. His contract is nearing its end, and rumours of a move to MLS especially a reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez at Inter Miami continue to grow. Reviving the legendary “MSN” trio in the United States would be a global spectacle. For now, Santos are relying on him to help them stay clear of danger.
His recent appearance in a surprise win over Palmeiras highlighted his growing influence. But injuries remain a concern, and Ancelotti is watching closely. The next six months could define Neymar’s legacy with Brazil. If he regains form, he could make one last World Cup run. If not, the 2026 tournament may move on without one of the modern greats. Follow footballtipsonline.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest stories.
