‘Physically, I feel great’: Neymar eyes World Cup spot as Ancelotti set to announce Brazil squad

As Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti prepares to announce his World Cup 2026 squad today, star forward Neymar has made a strong case for his inclusion, insisting he is fully fit after recovering from a string of injuries. The Brazilian forward said he has done everything needed to prove his fitness, while dismissing what he called “nonsense” criticism surrounding his comeback.

The Santos forward has not played for his country since 2023 due to injuries and a knee operation that sidelined him for a year. Brazil coach Ancelotti has said Neymar has to be fully fit and playing well to be in contention for a World Cup spot.

"Physically, I feel great. I've been improving with every game," Neymar told reporters after Santos' 3-0 defeat by Coritiba on Sunday. "I've done my absolute best – it wasn't easy. I'll admit it wasn't easy. It's been years of hard work, and also of a lot of nonsense being said about my condition and what I was doing. It’s really sad the way people talk about it," he said.  

The former Barcelona and PSG star said that he worked hard despite the "suffering because of what people were saying", adding that it had worked out in his favour. "I've made it to where I wanted to be in one piece. I’m happy with my performance, with everything I’ve done so far... Whatever happens, Ancelotti will certainly call up the 26 best players for this battle."

During Sunday's match, Neymar was involved in a furious protest after being wrongly substituted. The mix-up could not have come at a worse time for the 34-year-old, with Ancelotti set to announce his World Cup squad on Monday.

Brazil, looking to win a record-extending sixth World Cup title, will face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in Group C of the June 11 to July 19 tournament in North America.