This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. The Brazil national team coach, Carlo Ancelotti, will announce on Monday the squad for two important preparation matches for the 2026 World Cup. The games against France and Croatia in the USA will be the last before Ancelotti reveals the final list, and Neymar, Brazil's all-time top scorer, still does not know if he will be present. Neymar played this Sunday, but a poor performance for Santos against Corinthians may keep him out of the coach's selections. Ancelotti stated that he will take only players who are 100% physically fit to the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. He also hinted that some players do not need tests, which gives Neymar hope of being included in the final squad, even if he is not called up for the next two preparation matches. "I am working to come back, obviously. I want to return to the national team and play in the World Cup, but that does not depend on me. Whether I'm there or not, I will always be cheering for Brazil," Neymar said after the game. The Brazilian international suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in October 2023 and underwent another knee surgery in December. This year, he has played less than 10 games for Santos, but he has also shown signs of what he can still offer to Brazil. Regarding the game, the midfielder complained about the pitch at Vila Belmiro. "We had everything to play a much better game. It's something that we players do not have control over, but the directors do. On a derby day, they cannot let the irrigation break down and allow a game like this to be slow; it's bad for us. I spoke with all of them. The responsibility is theirs to take care of the field. That's not an excuse for us playing poorly, but it disrupts the spectacle."
World Cup The Brazil remains central to this story.
World Cup The Brazil remains central to this story.
Read more in Serie A news. and related tags: World Cup, The Brazil.