Ancelotti: "If Neymar Deserves to Play in the World Cup, He Will Be There, Period. I Owe No One"

Italian Carlo Ancelotti, the national coach of the Brazil national team, confirmed that he does not yet know if star Neymar Jr. will be included in the final "Seleção" squad he will select for the 2026 World Cup.

Ancelotti stated after the World Cup draw on Friday evening: "We have to think about Brazil's best interests. The squad might include Neymar or not. We will finalize the squad after the international break in March."

He added: "I fully understand the significant interest in Neymar. I want to clarify that we are in December, the World Cup is in June, and I will select the team that will participate in May. If Neymar deserves to be there, and is in good physical condition, better than any other player, then he will participate in the World Cup, period. I owe no one."