Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of Brazil, has confidently stated that Neymar will be included in the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the forward currently dealing with a calf injury. Ancelotti emphasized that Neymar is “motivated” and “working very well” in his recovery efforts.

Assurance from Ancelotti

During a press conference in Teresopolis, Ancelotti made it clear that he expects Neymar to be fit for Brazil's opening match against Morocco, or at the very least, for the second match against Haiti. “To be clear, Neymar will be with us. We believe he can recover in time for the first match, and if not, then for the second one,” he stated. The coach expressed his confidence in the entire squad, saying, “We have no doubt that these 26 players will play in the World Cup.”

Concerns Over Neymar's Fitness

The initial days of Brazil's training camp have been marked by discussions regarding Neymar's fitness. Ancelotti included him in the final World Cup squad despite concerns from fans, teammates, and the media. Neymar arrived at the camp with what was initially described as “swelling,” but further medical evaluations revealed a Grade II muscle injury in his right calf, which has a recovery timeline of two to three weeks.

Ancelotti's Support for Neymar

Despite the injury, Ancelotti defended his decision to select Neymar, highlighting the player's determination to recover quickly. “The player was selected because he had to be selected. We believe Neymar will recover as quickly as possible. He’s working well and remains highly motivated,” Ancelotti remarked. He also noted that Neymar is fully aware of his responsibilities for the World Cup and is committed to his recovery process.

As the tournament approaches, Ancelotti remains optimistic about Neymar's role and contributions to the team, reinforcing the belief that the star forward will be ready to make an impact when the World Cup kicks off in June across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.