Brazil's Ancelotti raises doubts about whether Neymar will reach the 2026 World Cup

Key Highlights

• “We have to think about Brazil with or without Neymar, with or without other players.
• Our final list we will make after the FIFA fixtures in March.”The 33-year-old Neymar has never fully recovered from a torn ACL in October 2023 during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
• But he's been key for Santos in its fight to avoid relegation in the Brazilian championship. On Wednesday, he scored a hat trick for Santos despite a muscular injury.
• He is expected to play again on Sunday against Cruzeiro. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAncelotti said Brazil does not have a “referential player” at the moment, a tag for the most valuable player that Neymar has mainly worn since the 2014 home World Cup.“We have one of the world's best goalkeepers, some of the best defenders, top midfielders and some players up front.
• I don't want players who want to be the best in the world, I want players who want to win the World Cup,” Ancelotti said. Asked about his team's group, Ancelotti said Brazil can top it.“We can win all three matches, our idea is very clear.