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Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos has expressed strong belief that the Selecao will show significant improvement at the 2026 World Cup once Neymar returns to full fitness, predicting that the team could reach the final. Speaking during the ongoing tournament in North America, the former left-back compared Brazil’s current setup with Argentina’s and voiced his faith in Carlo Ancelotti’s ability to guide the side deep into the competition.

Neymar’s comeback inspiring final hopes

The 2002 World Cup champion is confident that Neymar’s return will elevate the team’s performance. Despite an inconsistent start to the group stage—with a draw against Morocco and a victory over Haiti—Carlos believes Brazil’s potential remains immense. He described Neymar, now 34, as the key piece that could complete the team’s puzzle as they aim for a sixth title.

“We haven't managed to play our best football yet, but gradually, as we always say in world tournaments, we are improving. With Neymar’s return, we don’t know how he will perform, but I believe Brazil will improve a lot with Neymar,” Roberto Carlos told Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero on the Casa del Kun show.

He continued, “Vinicius is at the top of his game. The coach is monitoring Matheus Cunha, Endrick… The defence looks strong with Marquinhos and Gabriel. Step by step, we are building the best Brazilian team capable of going as far as possible.”

Carlos added, “If we keep improving, I believe we can reach the final. Or at least, after so many years, play in another final, which would be very important for our country.”

Narrowing the gap with Argentina

Although optimistic, Carlos acknowledged that Argentina currently have the upper hand. He praised Lionel Scaloni’s side for their consistency and the influence of Lionel Messi, noting that Brazil must raise their level to compete with the reigning champions. The veteran defender admitted that Argentina’s stability under Scaloni and Messi’s leadership has given them a crucial advantage.

“Let’s forget the past for a moment. Looking at the present, you are the current world champions. Brazil needs to improve to beat Argentina, the current world champion,” Carlos said. “I think Argentina is ahead primarily because they have a coach who has been with them for a long time. They also have Messi, who serves as a reference point for the football world in our era.”

Ancelotti’s influence and defensive strength

Discussing the impact of Carlo Ancelotti, Carlos revealed that several Brazilian greats are working closely with the Italian coach to support his project. He highlighted the solid defensive partnership of Marquinhos and Gabriel as a cornerstone of Brazil’s setup and stressed Neymar’s importance alongside emerging stars like Endrick and Vinicius Junior.

“The CBF decided to bring in a coach who has won titles in every country he has managed, to test the experience and pedigree that Ancelotti brings,” Carlos explained. “Behind him are Cafu, myself, Ronaldo, Kaká, Bebeto, and Ricardo Rocha, all supporting and helping him guide a young group towards winning a major title.”

Silencing the critics back home

Neymar’s recovery journey has not been without challenges, particularly with scrutiny from within Brazil. The forward’s absence from the opening matches due to a calf injury even drew a playful remark from Brazil’s president, who joked that Neymar was the first-ever ‘home office call-up’ to the national team. Despite the comments, the atmosphere within the squad remains protective and supportive of the star player.

Ancelotti has now confirmed that Neymar will be available for Brazil’s final group game against Scotland. With Vinicius Junior in outstanding form and the defence maintaining its solidity, Carlos believes that the team is well-prepared for the knockout stages. The ultimate objective remains clear: to bring home Brazil’s first World Cup trophy in 24 years.