Overview
- Neymar publicly promised to be ready for 2026 and vowed to score if Brazil reach the final, in comments relayed by Fabrizio Romano.
- Reports say the 33-year-old has recently had or is planning an inner meniscus procedure and may only be fully loadable by late January, putting March call-ups and World Cup selection in doubt.
- Ancelotti has stated he will choose only fully fit, team-focused players and has yet to bring Neymar into his setup, as debate over the star's professionalism continues in Brazil.
- Thomas Müller said Germany's group progression is a duty under the expanded format and suggested Lionel Messi's possible presence could change Argentina's balance for better or worse.
- Jonathan Tah expressed belief Germany can win the tournament and endorsed 17-year-old Lennart Karl for consideration, while Jürgen Klinsmann insisted Niclas Füllkrug should be taken to the World Cup and views a Milan move as helpful.