Brazil's World Cup hopes for Neymar hinge on his next two months of performance. Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the forward has until the squad selection deadline to prove he possesses the necessary qualities for the tournament. Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has been sidelined since a serious knee injury in October 2023. Despite his return to Santos and recent goal-scoring, Ancelotti emphasized the need for continued fitness improvement.
"He's a great talent, and it's normal that people think he can help us win the next World Cup," Ancelotti stated. "He's currently being evaluated by the CBF, by me, and he still has two months to show that he has the qualities to play in the next World Cup."
Brazil is grouped with Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland for the World Cup, set to run from June 11 to July 19.