Thirteen goals and nine assists in 41 games. Is that enough to punch a ticket to the World Cup with Brazil? For now, it isn’t.

Antony is not giving up, pushing through lingering pubic pain in a bid to deliver performances that might convince Carlo Ancelotti. Against Real Madrid, he helped Real Betis secure a hard-earned draw, troubled Andriy Lunin, and created the move that led to Betis’ goal. He wants to make it in time – it has been his driving ambition since the season began.

Could Antony play for Brazil at World Cup 2026?

Untouchable under Manuel Pellegrini, Antony has nevertheless been overlooked in Ancelotti’s most recent call-ups. Even so, his chances of making the World Cup squad remain alive – not only because of his numbers, but also due to the unexpected setbacks facing the Italian coach. Injuries to Rodrygo and Estevão Willian have disrupted planning for the summer tournament, giving Antony renewed relevance as a potential replacement. His attacking versatility could help fill those significant gaps.

In Brazil, debate among fans is intensifying. The absences confronting Ancelotti raise the possibility of a surprise inclusion in the final 26-man roster for the World Cup. Antony was already on the radar a year ago, when he had produced several standout months in Heliópolis and came close to reaching a Conference League final. Now, his form at Betis lacks that same sparkle, but his technical quality continues to keep the door ajar.

One of Antony’s motivations for joining Betis was the trust Pellegrini placed in him to deliver consistent minutes. He believed that could propel him back into Brazil’s plans in a World Cup year. What followed, however, brought more uncertainty – he neither rediscovered his best form nor secured a regular place in Ancelotti’s thinking. Still, the current injury crisis affecting the national team has revived hope.

In an interview with this newspaper at the start of the season, the forward made his objective clear: “It’s a dream.”

He repeated it more than once. Having already experienced the privilege of representing his country at a previous World Cup, he is now clinging to that final thread of hope to do it again. He knows the path is simple, if demanding – a strong, eye-catching finish to the league campaign.

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