Vincius Junior (foto: Getty Images)
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti says Vinicius Junior must be fully fit to make the 2026 World Cup squad, stressing no guaranteed places for any star.
Carlo Ancelotti has sent a strong and unexpected message to Vinicius Junior, stressing that the Real Madrid forward is not guaranteed a place in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking to Record, the Brazil head coach said that neither Vinicius nor Neymar will be selected unless they are in perfect physical condition. The Italian underlined that Brazil’s front line is too competitive for anyone to be chosen on name alone.
“They must be at 100 percent. This doesn’t apply only to Neymar – it applies to Vinicius as well. If he’s at 90 percent, I’ll take someone who is at 100 percent because we have huge competition in attack,” Ancelotti said.
Neymar has not played a single minute since Ancelotti took over, having suffered a major injury against Uruguay in October 2023. Still, Ancelotti insisted he remains in contention if he proves his fitness: “He has enormous talent, but injuries affected him. Right now he’s on the same level as everyone else – he has to show he’s ready.”
Tension at Real Madrid amid contract uncertainty
While the national team debate continues, new concerns are surfacing in Madrid. According to El Chiringuito, Vinicius arrived a few minutes late to training after the 1–1 draw with Girona – a small detail that rarely goes unnoticed at Real Madrid.
At the same time, negotiations over his new contract have reportedly stalled. Spanish outlets claim that Real Madrid and the 25-year-old winger remain far apart, raising speculation about a possible exit at the end of the season.
Neymar has also weighed in. According to reports, he privately urged Vinicius not to repeat his own mistake of leaving Barcelona for PSG in 2017 – a move he still regrets, believing it derailed the peak of his career.
Enormous competition for attacking places
Vinicius remains one of Brazil’s biggest stars, but the team has not looked like a genuine World Cup contender for some time. That means no player enjoys automatic protection.
Ancelotti has a deep pool of forwards to choose from. Alongside Vinicius, candidates include Raphinha, Willian Estevão, Gabriel Martinelli, Antony, Richarlison, Vitor Roque, Joao Pedro, and Marseille’s in-form Igor Paixão, while Igor Thiago continues to impress in the Premier League. Neymar and Rodrygo remain very much in contention as well.
With so many options emerging, Ancelotti made clear that reputation alone will not secure a ticket to North America.