Ancelotti Cautions Vinícius Junior Ahead of the World Cup

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has put Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior on notice for the 2026 World Cup. The Italian manager made it clear that the winger needs to be at 100% fitness to make the squad, warning that anything less won't be enough to secure a spot on the team.

Speaking to Esporte Record, Ancelotti laid out his strict standards for player selection. "Vinicius Junior must be 100% ready to join the World Cup squad," he said. The coach explained that if Vinicius is only 90% fit, he'll call up another player who can give the full 100%.

This isn't just about one player. Ancelotti's approach reflects Brazil's current depth in attacking positions. The team has multiple excellent forwards competing for spots, which gives the coach the luxury of being selective. It's a good problem to have but creates intense competition among Brazil's attacking talent.

Vinicius isn't the only star facing this pressure. Back in October, Ancelotti sent a similar warning to Neymar, telling the Santos forward he needs to be completely ready before getting called up to the national team. This suggests the coach is taking a no-exceptions approach to fitness standards.

The timing matters here. Brazil has a friendly against France scheduled for Boston during the March international break, running from the 23rd to 31st. These matches will likely serve as crucial tests for players hoping to secure their World Cup spots.

For Vinicius, who has been dealing with various minor injuries throughout the season with Real Madrid, this puts extra pressure on his recovery and conditioning. The 23-year-old has become one of Brazil's key attacking threats, but Ancelotti's message is clear: talent alone won't guarantee a World Cup spot if fitness isn't there.

This approach could reshape how Brazil's top players manage their club and international commitments leading up to 2026. With the World Cup still over a year away, players now know they need to maintain peak physical condition to earn their place in what promises to be Brazil's most competitive squad in years.