Carlo Ancelotti has just a few alternatives left to finalize the Brazil squad that can compete within the 2026 World Cup, a title that has slipped away from the Seleção in recent times. After issuing a transparent health warning to Neymar, the Italian supervisor has now delivered the identical message to Vinicius Junior and the remainder of the nationwide crew’s stars.
Neymar‘s return to the nationwide crew has been lengthy anticipated, however Ancelotti has made it clear that the ahead should be at 100% health to be referred to as up. The Santos star, coping with lingering accidents, has but to succeed in high kind, delaying his comeback with lower than seven months remaining earlier than the World Cup kicks off.
In an interview with Esporte File, Ancelotti addressed his method to constructing the World Cup roster: “Now we have superb gamers, however I would like to decide on those that are at 100%. And it’s not nearly Neymar—it’s the identical with Vinícius. If Vinícius is at 90%, I’ll name one other participant who’s at 100%, as a result of this crew has a really, very excessive stage of competitors, particularly in assault, the place we’ve many superb gamers.”
Concerning Neymar’s state of affairs, the Italian coach expressed optimism however stored his requirements agency. “Neymar is on the identical stage because the others, contemplating he has already proven extraordinary expertise. I believe he’s an ideal expertise. He’s had the misfortune of struggling accidents. He hasn’t been capable of put together to be in good bodily situation due to the accidents he’s had. But it surely’s nonetheless solely November,” he acknowledged.
Carlo Ancelotti greets Vinicius Junior of Brazil after being subbed.
Ancelotti has been rotating between worldwide standouts and domestically primarily based expertise in current matches, testing his choices in opposition to high-profile opponents. What stays clear—other than Estevão turning into the star of the crew—is that any participant who isn’t totally match is not going to make the Brazil squad, whether or not that’s Vinicius or some other marquee identify.
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Vinicius and his struggles throughout the 2025-26 season
The 2025-26 season has not been as clean as Vinicius Junior hoped, as he adapts to new supervisor Xabi Alonso at Actual Madrid amid switch rumors and an unresolved contract state of affairs. His performances have additionally dipped in comparison with earlier seasons. Nonetheless, Ancelotti—who beforehand unlocked Vinicius’ greatest kind—stays assured that the winger will discover his stride.
Addressing his World Cup prospects, Ancelotti mentioned: “I believe that is only a second, a section in his skilled life. Gamers—particularly of his profile—don’t all the time attain 100% of their potential and may even see their stage drop a bit. However I’m positive Vinícius can have a great season, just like the earlier ones, a vital one with Actual Madrid. He shall be in nice form for the World Cup.”
Thus far this season, Vinicius has recorded 5 objectives and 7 assists throughout 19 appearances for Actual Madrid. Kylian Mbappé has taken heart stage early within the marketing campaign, however given Vinicius’ standing as one of many world’s high gamers, Ancelotti is totally anticipated to incorporate him on the World Cup roster no matter how the remainder of his membership season unfolds.
