WASHINGTON — Carlo Ancelotti sent a clear message to Brazilian legend Neymar about potentially donning the famed canary yellow once more at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States this upcoming summer: Earn your place.

"I understand you guys are very interested in Neymar, and I want to clarify," Ancelotti, the Brazilian head coach who has won just about every major club title with Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, and AC Milan, began after the World Cup Draw on Friday. "We are in December, the World Cup is in June. When I announce the squad in May, if Neymar deserves to go, if he's well, if he's better or the same as others, he will play in the World Cup. Period. But I don't have debts to anyone."

Neymar, 33, has not been the same talismanic talent that once graced European

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