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With less than a year to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, national teams have begun fine-tuning their plans. Brazil recently made headlines by appointing veteran Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti as head coach.
Since Ancelotti’s appointment, Neymar’s name has frequently surfaced in discussions. The star forward, plagued by injuries, was not included in Ancelotti’s initial squad due to fitness concerns. However, the coach recently urged Neymar to prepare seriously for a potential comeback.
Despite this, a recent survey by Brazilian polling agency Datafolha reveals that 41% of Brazilians do not want Neymar in the World Cup squad. On the other hand, 48% support his inclusion, while 7% remain indifferent and 3% are undecided.
The divide is sharper among older Brazilians (over 60), with 53% opposing Neymar’s return, and only 35% supporting it. Analysts believe concerns over his injuries, off-field behaviour, and declining form have influenced public opinion, particularly among older generations.
The survey, conducted on June 10–11 across 136 cities, included 2,004 citizens aged 16 and above.
Brazil’s next World Cup qualifiers are in September, against Chile at home and Bolivia away — matches that may determine Neymar’s return to the squad.