The group stage draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was finalised on December 5. While Argentina and Portugal landed in relatively easier groups, Brazil finds itself under some pressure. The Seleção has been placed in Group C, alongside Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti. Though not a 'Group of Death', VinÃcius, Raphinha and company will have to fight hard enough to secure a place in the knockout stage. Naturally, Neymar has become a topic of discussion. He is giving his all in club football to return to the national team. He is playing match after match despite injuries. However, head coach Carlo Ancelotti hinted that his place in the World Cup squad remains uncertain.
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What did Ancelotti say about Neymar?
Ancelotti was present at the World Cup final draw event on Friday. There, he was asked about Neymar's chances of getting a place in the squad. In response, though he didn't say anything directly, he made suggestive comments. He made it clear that Neymar would have to be 100 per cent fit to get a place and fight equally with the rest.
Ancelotti said, "If Neymar is a worthy contender for a place in the squad, then he will certainly be included. He will have to earn his place by playing better than the other footballers. I don't owe anyone anything..."
Now, it's clear that Neymar is not an automatic choice in Ancelotti's Brazil team. He will have to fight for his place alongside Estêvão, VinÃcius, Rodrygo, and Casemiro. He also made it clear that he believes in achieving success as a team, not focusing on Neymar or any specific footballer.
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He said, "We can't think about Neymar or any specific footballer. We have to do what's necessary for Brazil's success. We'll select the final squad after the preparation matches in March." Now it remains to be seen how much Neymar can achieve the impossible to play in the World Cup.
