TThe melodrama surrounding Neymar’s presence in the Brazilian national team continues to add new chapters. The person who spoke out this time was former Brazil national team coach and World Cup winner Dunga. He made it clear that Neymar’s presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup depends solely on Neymar himself.
Neymar will only go to the World Cup if he is ready to take center stage
The former Brazil captain’s comments come amid controversy over Neymar’s absence from manager Carlo Ancelotti’s latest call-up to the Brazilian squad, despite his strong form with Santos.
“As a player, technically there is no debate. He decides whether he goes to the World Cup or not. To go to the World Cup, for a player of his quality he has to be at 80%, not 100%, because technically he is a spectacle,” Dunga said during an appearance on the podcast “Um Assado para…”.
However, the Brazilian football legend believes it would be impossible for the former FC Barcelona star to play in the World Cup in second position, stressing his competitive nature.
“There are people who are saying, ‘Take Neymar to the World Cup so he can replace you.’ He won’t be a replacement. He won’t accept it.”
“If Ancelotti calls him up, he will have to play. He cannot remain on the bench,” he added.
Neymar’s World Cup status is shaping up to be one of the biggest storylines leading up to the 2026 World Cup, whether he is selected for Brazil’s final squad or not. If he is left out, Ancelotti will be at the center of the debate and will have to justify his decision to leave out one of the greatest Brazilian players in history, especially if Neymar is to continue his best form.
