Neymar practically out’ of Brazil’s FIFA World Cup 2026 :-
The Development comes just days after Neymar was left out of the squad for the team’s upcoming World Cup warm-up matches Neymar’s hopes of playing in the FIFA World Cup 2026, which he had earlier suggested could be his final appearance, are now all but over.
The development comes just days after the Brazilian star was left out of the squad for the team’s upcoming World Cup warm-up matches, following which he released a video expressing his desperation to get back on track and make the final cut.
According to a report by CNN Brasil, internal sources within the Brazilian Football Confederation have described Neymar as “practically out” of the World Cup squad, with the situation termed “extremely complicated.”
The reasons are two-fold First, there is a growing lack of confidence within the CBF over Neymar’s fitness, given his inconsistent appearances for Santos FC due to recurring injury concerns. More significantly, however, the report points to increasing “behind-the-scenes unease” between the player and the federation’s leadership.
Neymar’s recent public reaction:-
Neymar’s recent public reaction to being left out of the warm-up fixtures has reportedly not gone down well with CBF officials, who feel he is attempting to build an “us versus them” narrative by leveraging media and fan sentiment.
One incident, in particular, appears to have worsened the situation. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti had travelled specifically to watch Neymar in action during Santos’ match against Mirassol, taking a private jet and making a last-minute journey to attend the game. However, Neymar did not feature, citing workload management, and reportedly made no effort to meet or acknowledge the coach, a gesture that could have demonstrated commitment.
The episode is understood to have left a poor impression on the CBF hierarchy, with internal discussions now indicating that even a late push for selection may not be enough to salvage his place. While Neymar still has matches left this season with Santos to prove his fitness and form, the reality remains stark, it would take something extraordinary, if not miraculous, for him to force his way into contention.
Candidates:- Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk steps in for Humpy :-
The tournament, which will determine the challengers for the world championship crowns currently held D Gukesh and Ju Wenjun , is scheduled to begin in Paphos on Saturday. Humpy, two-time Women’s World Rapid Champion, pulled out of the event despite assurances from organisers, citing concerns over personal safety.
Earlier this month, a British air base in Cyprus was targeted a drone attack, heightening security fears in the region .In a statement, FIDE confirmed that Muzychuk had been invited as Humpy’s replacement. “In accordance with the tournament regulations, her place was offered to the next highest finisher in the Women’s Events Series 2024-25 who has not yet secured qualification. As a result, Anna Muzychuk will join the tournament,” FIDE said.
Fédération Internationale Football Association :-
Muzychuk is a former Women’s World Rapid champion. She is also a former World Championship finalist and among the few women to have crossed the 2600 rating mark. Earlier, explaining her decision, Humpy said personal safety remained her top priority.
“After deep reflection. I have taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. Humpy said in a statement on ‘X’. “No event, no matter how important, can come before personal safety and well-being. Despite the assurances provided, I do not feel fully secure under the current circumstances. This is a painful but necessary decision, and I stand by it,” she added.
Humpy risks a 10,000 Euro fine for her decision but FIDE is yet to decide on it. Nakamura also expresses concerns The 38-year-old Indian is not alone. In voicing safety concerns despite FIDE’s assurances that there is noting ever remotely dangerous to warrant a change of venue.
American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura. Who is understood to have been in the run up to the tournament. Also flagged in parts of Cyprus. It’s not a good sign when power goes out completely in parts of Cyprus. And doesn’t come back for an extended period of time. The world No. 2 wrote on Sunday.
Carlos Alcaraz’s Miami shocker opens door for Jannik Sinner as World Number 1 battle takes a dramatic new twist :-
The 6-3-, 5-7, 6-4 loss left Alcaraz with a 5-2 record. Across the two Masters events and 17-2 overall this season. But beyond the defeat itself. The bigger concern lies in its impact on the World Number 1. Race where he may have handed Jannik Sinner a crucial opening.
Alcaraz still holds a commanding 2,140- point lead over Sinner in the Live Rankings. Sinner, fresh off his maiden Indian Wells title, remains alive in Miami. If Italian goes on lift his third consecutive ATP Masters 1000 crown. He could slash the deficit to just 1,240 points. significantly tightening the race at the top.
Alcaraz, in contrast, had little to gain in Miami. After a second-round exit last year, he was defending just 10 points, limiting both the upside and the damage.