Carlo Ancelotti has reassured Brazil supporters that Neymar is in his plans for the 2026 World Cup, regardless of leaving the ahead out of his first Selecao squad.
Ancelotti gave his first press convention as Brazil head coach on Monday, having travelled to Rio de Janeiro forward of subsequent month’s World Cup qualifiers in opposition to Ecuador and Paraguay.
The Italian will lead Brazil till the top of their 2026 World Cup marketing campaign as they search a record-extending sixth title, and his first job was to call a 26-man squad for these qualifiers.
Ancelotti recalled his former Actual Madrid midfielder Casemiro to the squad after a year-long absence, however there was no area for Neymar as he continues his restoration from a thigh harm.
Neymar final represented Brazil in October 2023, when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in a World Cup qualifier in opposition to Uruguay.
Requested about Neymar’s absence, Ancelotti advised reporters: “He has returned to Brazil to play and put together nicely for the World Cup.
“I’ve spoken to him to elucidate this name and he agrees with us.”
TIME CONVOCADO!
O treinador da Seleção Brasileira, Carlo Ancelotti, anunciou nesta segunda-feira (26) a lista dos convocados para os jogos contra Equador e Paraguai, pelas Eliminatórias da Copa do Mundo 2026.
ISSO É BRASIL! pic.twitter.com/oYWYg7R8mh
— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) Could 26, 2025
Brazil are presently fourth within the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification group, 10 factors adrift of runaway leaders Argentina however with a six-point buffer to Venezuela within the play-off spot.
However their new boss believes of their probabilities of lifting the World Cup at MetLife Stadium subsequent July.
“The primary impression is that it’s a terrific honour to steer the very best nationwide group on this planet,” Ancelotti mentioned. “I realise Brazil wish to be champions once more.
“I obtained a variety of affection, I do know we’re going to do very nicely. I thank the CBF for bringing me right here, and Actual Madrid for giving me the chance to barter.”
Ancelotti additionally predicted that his native Italy might be amongst Brazil’s major rivals at subsequent yr’s event, including: “Soccer has completely different eras and generations, these can have an effect on the outcomes. I imagine Italy and Brazil might be aggressive once more subsequent yr.
“Italy labored actually onerous and Brazil have all the time been at a excessive stage. For instance, Brazil had arguably the very best squad in 1982, however Italy received as a result of it’s good to mix expertise with the spirit of sacrifice and onerous work as a way to succeed.”
Brazil squad: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians); Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Danilo (Flamengo), Leo Ortiz (Flamengo), Wesley (Flamengo), Alexsandro (Lille), Lucas Beraldo (Paris Saint-Germain), Carlos Augusto (Inter), Vanderson (Monaco); Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Andrey Santos (Strasbourg), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Ederson (Atalanta), Gerson (Flamengo); Antony (Actual Betis), Estevao (Palmeiras), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Vinicius Junior (Actual Madrid).