Richarlison officially won't be going to the 2026 World Cup with the Brazil national team. Despite a close relationship with new Selecao manager Carlo Ancelotti, including great success during their time together at the Merseyside with Everton, and a catalogue of success with the national team, Richy won't be in the final squad in North America after the breakout performances of Endrick for Lyon - and the desire to see if Neymar can give Brazli "One Last Dance" this summer.
In truth, while Richarlison's snub may seem surprising to some Spurs fans, he hasn't played well enough over the past couple of seasons to merit inclusion. And if anything, his wasteful display against Leeds United probably sealed Ancelotti's decision to leave him at home, which still may not have been an easy decision for the Italian legend.
Still, while Richarlison will be bitterly disappointed at being left off the team, his snub is actually great news for Tottenham Hotspur. Because Richy now has a real chip on his shoulder, if he didn't already, in the final two games of the 2025/26 Premier League season with Spurs still needing one point against two tough teams, Chelsea and Everton, to secure survival over rivals West Ham United.
Richarlison won't be going to the World Cup
Tottenham need someone to emerge as a true hero in the attack. Dominic Solanke is still injured, and he's not going to be able to play on Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge. And it sure as heck isn't going to be Randal Kolo Muani to lift Spurs up, as he's been the worst striker in the entire Premier League this season with no signs of getting better under Roberto De Zerbi.
Aside from the young Mathys Tel, Richarlison is it, and he is Tottenham's leading scorer for a reason. Spurs need a motivated, hungry, and energetic Richarlison to show up against Chelsea and his former employers Everton. We know Richy always gives his all to the club and is at his best when his team is up against it, and it's time for the Brazilian international to live up to that reputation.
He has pride to play for, in addition to Spurs survival, and those two ingredients make for a dangerous dish when it comes to Richarlison. Tottenham fans want to see the full fury of Richy out on the pitch after Carlo Ancelotti, of all people, discarded him for the summer, and this may be the motivation to tip him over the edge for Spurs.