With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to kick off on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Brazil is already positioning itself as a contender for a historic sixth title. But as anticipation builds, the intervention of Brazil president Lula – particularly regarding the future of Neymar – has added some intrigue to the situation.
During the World Cup Trophy Tour ceremony at the Planalto Palace in Brasília, Lula – full name Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva – made it clear he believes the Selecao is in capable hands under head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“I am convinced that we will win this cup. I spoke with Ancelotti and I found him to be a completely serious figure, with his head on straight,” Lula said.
The endorsement signals institutional confidence in the Italian manager, who was appointed to guide Brazil back to global supremacy.
Yet it was Lula‘s subsequent remarks that drew the most attention, comments widely interpreted as directed at the country’s biggest star Neymar.
“(Ancelotti) is convinced that only those who are 100 percent fit will play,” Lula said.
“That he will not call anyone up based on their name, only if the person is playing, training and prepared. When a coach is serious, the players know they have a responsibility.”
Selection based on fitness, not fame
Neymar, now 33, has not represented Brazil since October 17, 2023, when he suffered a torn cruciate ligament against Uruguay.
The injury sidelined him for an extended period and disrupted his international continuity at a pivotal stage of his career.
After a miserable stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, Neymar returned to his formative club, Santos, in January 2025.
Since rejoining Santos, he has appeared in 21 matches, starting 17, scoring eight goals and adding one assist, producing encouraging numbers that suggest he could make a competitive resurgence on the international stage.
Most recently, he delivered one of his standout performances of the calendar year, scoring twice and completing the full 90 minutes in a 2-1 victory over Vasco da Gama.
The display reignited debate about whether he can still influence a major tournament. However, Ancelotti has already established a clear standard of fitness for Neymar to reach.
“He has to be 100 percent,” Ancelotti told Esporte Record on December 1, 2025 when asked about Neymar.
“There are many players who are very good, I need to choose players that are 100 percent. It’s not just Neymar, it could be [Real Madrid forward] Vinícius.
“If Vinícius is at 90 percent, I’ll call up another player who is at 100 percent, because it’s a team that has a very high level of competence, especially up front. Up front, we have really many good players.”
Younger stars emerge to threaten Neymar’s place
That depth in attacking options, including Estevao from Chelsea and Rayan of Bournemouth may ultimately complicate Neymar‘s path.
Ancelotti’s insistence on peak condition hints at a cultural reset within Brazil‘s national setup, which has long lauded its stars over the form players in Europe and South America.
The Selecao has been drawn into Group C and will open its World Cup campaign on June 13 against Morocco. Before finalizing the 26-man squad by the end of May, Ancelotti‘s side will face France on March 26 and Croatia on March 31 in their final friendlies.
For Neymar, he is unlikely to need another chance to audition because his talent is unquestioned. Instead, his condition remains under scrutiny and that will be monitored through Ancelotti‘s medical staff.
As Lula‘s remarks suggest, his iconic status alone will not secure a spot in the squad. If Brazil is to chase its sixth star, Neymar will be doing his utmost to take part.
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