On Monday, November 18, coach Carlo Ancelotti will reveal the final roster of 26 players selected to represent the Brazilian National Team at the 2026 World Cup.
This past Tuesday, November 12, the seasoned Italian coach addressed the pressing question that’s captured attention beyond the football community: Will Neymar be included in the squad?
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During an interview with the news agency Reuters, Ancelotti emphasized Neymar’s popularity among Brazilian fans and players alike, stating that he doesn’t feel any added pressure in making the decision regarding the Santos star.
“Neymar is immensely loved, not just by fans but also by fellow players. If he is selected, it won’t create a disruptive atmosphere in the locker room as he is well-respected and cherished. I appreciate all opinions shared with me,” Ancelotti commented, further noting:
“When making selections, numerous factors come into play. Neymar is a significant asset to our national team due to his exceptional talent. Despite facing challenges, he is committed to his recovery and has shown consistent improvement in his performance lately.”
On Monday, November 11, the CBF submitted a preliminary list of 55 players to FIFA, which includes Neymar as a potential World Cup contender.
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Ancelotti acknowledged that Neymar has shown improvements over the past two to three weeks due to better physical conditioning and recognized the complexity of finalizing the 26-player roster.
“It’s not a straightforward decision for me. I need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages thoroughly. However, this doesn’t place additional stress on me, as we have been evaluating all players, including Neymar, for the entire year,” he explained.
“I am the best person to make this decision. My knowledge and insights about all Brazilian players this year are unparalleled. While I cannot guarantee a perfect selection, I aim to produce a list with fewer errors. I am confident in that regard.”
Finally, the 63-year-old coach dismissed any notions of external pressures affecting the Brazilian National Team’s preparations for the World Cup.
“The environment outside the team is under control and will remain so until the end of the World Cup, irrespective of Neymar’s involvement.”
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Following the announcement of the final squad list on Monday, November 18, selected players will convene at the CBF training center in Granja Comary, Teresópolis, on May 27.
However, players from PSG and Arsenal who are participating in the Champions League final will join at a later date.
The National Team will bid farewell to fans in Brazil with a friendly match against Panama on May 31.
In the U.S., Brazil will also play a final friendly match on June 6 against Egypt in Cleveland, before making their World Cup debut on June 13 against Morocco in New Jersey.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.