Neymar faces criticism ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Brazilian star Neymar has faced a wave of criticism in the Brazilian media after several analysts discussed his declining physical and technical readiness, comparing his current level to what is required to play at the highest European and international levels. These criticisms arose in the context of evaluations of his performance in some major European matches, with some critics arguing that the high tempo of matches like the Champions League highlights the physical differences between players and raises questions about Neymar's ability to keep up with this pace should he participate with the national team in the 2026 World Cup. One analyst on a Brazilian channel went so far as to suggest that, based on his current form, Neymar might face significant difficulty if placed in a highly competitive environment, considering that the physical demands of major matches require a much higher level of fitness. He also pointed out that the decision to call him up to the national team remains a technical one for Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, but at the same time, he questioned his suitability for participation if his physical condition remains unchanged, emphasizing that the final decision rests with the national team's coaching staff. These statements reflect the ongoing debate in Brazil about Neymar's international future, especially with the increasing talk about the physical readiness of veteran players ahead of major upcoming events.