Brazil’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, emphasized that Vinicius Jr needs to be in peak condition to secure a spot in next year’s World Cup squad, reaffirming his commitment to selecting players who are fully match-ready.
In October, Ancelotti similarly cautioned Neymar, indicating the Santos forward must be at his best to rejoin the team.
During an interview with Brazil’s sports show Esporte Record, the Italian coach highlighted his consistent expectations for team members.
“With numerous skilled players, my selection is based on those who are at 100%,” stated Ancelotti.
“The focus isn’t solely on Neymar; it applies to Vinicius as well. If Vinicius is at 90%, I will opt for another player at 100%, as our squad boasts high competitiveness, notably in attack, with many outstanding talents.”
Vinicius Jr was pivotal, scoring the winning goal in Brazil’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay in June, securing their place in the 2026 World Cup, set for June 11 to July 19 in North America.
Brazil is scheduled to face France in a friendly match in Boston during the international window from March 23 to 31.
