Brazil’s national football team coach Carlo Ancelotti has reinforced his uncompromising stance on player fitness requirements for World Cup selection, extending his rigorous standards beyond Neymar to include rising star Vinicius Jr. The Italian strategist emphasized that only players demonstrating complete physical readiness will merit consideration for the coveted 2026 squad.
During an exclusive interview with Brazilian sports program Esporte Record, Ancelotti elaborated on his selection philosophy, stating that exceptional talent alone cannot guarantee a position on the team. “The reality is we possess numerous high-caliber players, and my responsibility involves selecting those operating at absolute peak condition,” Ancelotti explained. “This principle applies universally—whether discussing Neymar or Vinicius. Should Vinicius present at 90% capacity, I would inevitably choose an alternative player performing at 100%, given the extraordinary competitive depth within our offensive lineup.”
This declaration follows Ancelotti’s October warning to Neymar regarding identical fitness prerequisites for national team reinstatement. The coach’s consistent messaging underscores a systematic approach to squad development prioritizing physical preparedness alongside technical skill.
Vinicius Jr., who secured Brazil’s World Cup qualification with a decisive goal against Paraguay in June 2024, now faces intensified pressure to maintain optimal physical condition ahead of the tournament. The 2026 World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 across North American venues, represents the pinnacle of international football competition.
Brazil’s preparation schedule includes a high-profile friendly match against France in Boston during the March international window, providing Ancelotti critical opportunities to evaluate player fitness and tactical integration before finalizing his tournament roster.