As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the narrative surrounding the Brazilian national team is dominated by a single, polarizing question: Does Neymar Jr. still have a place in the Seleção?

Neymar Jr. is desperate to make the Brazil squad for this year's global showpiece, and his fears are not easing after head coach Carlo Ancelotti excluded him from the recent squad for the March international games.

The 34-year-old is the country's all-time leading goalscorer, having surpassed Pelé a couple of years ago; however, a lack of fitness led to his departure from Europe. After a couple of years in the Middle East, he is now back where it all started: Santos.

However, his homecoming has been defined more by the treatment table than the pitch. Following a grueling recovery from surgery, a recent bout of muscle fatigue saw him sidelined for Santos's draw against Cruzeiro, leaving the club teetering just a point above the relegation zone. 

While his form has been impressive of late, increasing his optimism for Brazil's final squad for the summer FIFA World Cup, it appears Carlo Ancelotti may not share that sentiment.

Should Neymar Jr. go to the World Cup?

Neymar Jr. is one of the greatest Brazilian players of the 21st century, and his commitment to the team since his debut in 2009 to his final appearance in 2023 has been unquestionable.

He was a major contributor to their FIFA Confederations Cup triumph in 2013, but the injuries that have haunted him since his departure from Barcelona in 2017 saw him miss their conquest of the Copa América in 2019.

Neymar has both gold and silver medals at the Olympics to his name, including victories at other youth tournaments, and was instrumental as Brazil reached the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup on home soil. 

The injury he suffered against Colombia in the quarter-finals, which ruled him out of the remainder of that tournament, has contributed to his nightmares ever since; the attacker even admitted that doctors told him he was lucky to be able to walk again after the impact. 

Nevertheless, he has been the country's best player at his three FIFA World Cup appearances, producing eleven goal involvements since the 2014 edition, but maybe the time is right for someone else to step up.

Neymar Jr.'s competition for a place in the Brazil squad

Going by history, attack is always the greatest strength of the Brazil national team, and a lot of impressive names have emerged in recent times, many of whom are as fit as a horse, unlike Neymar Jr.

Igor Thiago, Luiz Henrique, Rayan, Estevão, and Endrick, to mention but a few, are all in contention to make the World Cup squad and are hungrier to deliver as they are just at the start of their careers.

Superstars like Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha are ready to lead their country from the front, while the likes of Matheus Cunha, Gabriel Martinelli, Richarlison, and João Pedro also make up the regulars. 

With Rodrygo currently sidelined by an ACL injury, there is an opening in the attack, but Ancelotti seems more inclined to blood hungry youth than gamble on a legend whose body frequently betrays him.

The former Real Madrid boss is spoiled for options in this department, which is why the Santos man was overlooked in the recent squad list, even though his desperation is not unknown to the Italian. 

In a recent interview, Ancelotti admitted his awareness: “I see everything, I hear everything… then I will have to make a decision. People can say their opinion, no problem.”

How is Neymar Jr.'s recent form?

Since his return from injury in February, Neymar Jr. has featured in five games for Santos, contributing three goals and two assists, with his side winning two and drawing one. 

His recent absence in the stalemate with Cruzeiro on Sunday as Santos's winless run reached four games, placing them a point above the relegation zone despite playing two games more, will also add to his unreliability.

While he has been blessed with productivity, Neymar Jr. lacks the fitness and agility to compete at the highest level—two non-negotiables for a player to be deservedly selected for the FIFA World Cup at the expense of so many talents. 

Should Neymar Jr. go to 2026 World Cup?

The sentimental feeling is strong, and a lot of fans will be hurt if the former Barcelona and PSG star does not make the final squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America, but it is a reality the world needs to start to embrace.

Neymar Jr. may be one of the best Brazilian players of all time, but the bridge to World Cup 2026 is narrowing. Even if Carlo Ancelotti shares the emotional sentiment and includes him in the final squad, the world should not expect too much. 

The Neymar Jr. who lit up Rio de Janeiro over a decade ago is long gone. The current one is a Neymar Jr. who has to plead his way into consideration by the manager, and in no light will the chances of Brazil lie solely on his shoulders.

Should Neymar Jr. go to the World Cup has dominated the media since Ancelotti's latest squad revelation ahead of their friendly meetings with France and Croatia in the coming days, when new players will be tested in what is the final break before the global showpiece.

There is still time to make a final decision, but it was always going to be complicated for Carlo Ancelotti. But in the end, the question would be, can Neymar off more than the other options available? For now, the answer is clear, and it is now down to the player to justify himself before the window closes.