Neymar could benefit from Rodrygo's injury and sneak into the World Cup with Brazil

T he FIFA World Cup 2026 is less than 100 days away from starting, and national teams are still working on finalizing their definitive squads for the competition. There's no doubt that Brazil 's Seleção is one of the most talked-about, especially with the question of whether Neymar will make it into Carlo Ancelotti 's squad.

The former Real Madrid coach faces a tough task in deciding who will attend, with so many Brazil national team stars vying for spots and the loss of one of his trusted players.

Can Neymar sneak into Carlo Ancelotti's squad?

Carlo Ancelotti has been shaping his attack throughout the matches he's managed with the Brazil national team , but the severe injury to Rodrygo -one of his most trusted players-has changed the landscape for several figures, including Neymar .

The Real Madrid player suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and lateral meniscus in his right knee, meaning he will miss the rest of the season with an absence of at least six months, putting him out of the World Cup 2026 .

It's precisely Rodrygo 's absence that could open the door for Neymar to make the squad, although Ancelotti is still evaluating his attacking options with alternatives such as Endrick and Antony .

Neymar , who recently returned to action after an injury, now plays for Santos in Brazil . However, his current level appears closer to the final stretch of his career than that of a player expected to shine in the FIFA World Cup .

This has become one of the biggest debates in Brazilian football , especially among fans who believe Neymar deserves to compete in what could be his final World Cup , with the added pressure of helping the Seleção chase its long-awaited sixth title.