Ancelotti's jab at Rodrygo: 'He's far from returning to Brazil and the World Cup'

Carlo Ancelotti appeared before the media ahead of the match Brazil will play against Bolivia. It will be the last match of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, although the "canarinha", with 28 points, secured its place last matchday.

The Italian was asked about several players who could be on Brazil's list for the next World Cup. Among them is Rodrygo Goes, a Real Madrid footballer who hasn't been drafted for the latest squad by the coach.

However, Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear that Rodrygo Goes has a great chance of going to the 2026 World Cup.

Carlo Ancelotti's message about Rodrygo and Brazil

"Obviously, memory counts. I know Rodrygo very well and I know he can contribute a lot to the team. We're evaluating about 70 players and for all of them we're analyzing both the physical and tactical level to try to build the most competitive team possible for the World Cup", said Carlo Ancelotti.

The player in question hasn't had an easy summer. He has been in the spotlight due to his possible departure from Real Madrid, which hasn't materialized. Now, Rodrygo Goes is still fighting for a spot in Xabi Alonso's starting eleven.

With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, Rodrygo knows he has to step up to be present at the event. All footballers want to play in a competition like this, so the Brazilian won't want to miss it for anything in the world.

A warning for Rodrygo Goes

Nevertheless, the statement by Carlo Ancelotti in which he says that "the field is what will determine which players should go to the next World Cup" has stood out quite a bit.

The coach has made it clear that, even if you play for Real Madrid, if you don't perform at your level, you could be left out. Brazil still has the goal of building a squad that can perform at the highest level in the World Cup.

As of today, Rodrygo Goes would have to compete with top-level players for a spot in Brazil. However, the carioca is more than used to it, since the demands he has faced at Real Madrid in recent years are at the highest level.