Carlo Ancelotti has reassured Brazil supporters that Neymar is in his plans for the World Cup 2026, despite the fact that he left the attacker from his first Selecao team.
Ancelotti gave his first press conference as head coach of Brazil on Monday and traveled to Rio de Janeiro prior to the world cup qualifications next month against Ecuador and Paraguay.
The Italian will lead Brazil to the end of their World Cup campaign 2026, because they are looking for a record-expanding sixth title, and his first task was to name a 26-man team for those qualifications.
Ancelotti reminded his former midfielder of Madrid Casemiro to the team after a year -long absence, but there was no room for Neymar while he continued his recovery from a thigh injury.
Neymar represented Brazil for the last time in October 2023, when he suffered a front intersection from the cross in a world cup qualification against Uruguay.
When asked about Neymar's absence, Ancelotti told reporters: “He has returned to Brazil to play well and prepare for the World Cup.
“I spoke to him to explain this call and he agrees with us.”
Time Convocado!
O Trainador da Seleção Brasileira, Carlo Ancelotti, Anunciou Nesta Segunda-Feira (26) A Lista Dos Convocados Para Os Jogos Contra Equador E Paraguai, Pelas Eliminatória's da Copa do Mundo 2026.
Isso é Brasil! pic.twitter.com/oywyg7r8MH
– CBF FUTEBOL (@CBF_FUTEBOL) 26 May 2025
Brazil is currently fourth in the Conmebol World Cup Qualification Group, 10 points drift from runaway leaders Argentina but with a six-point buffer to Venezuela on the play-off place.
But their new boss believes in their chances of raising the World Cup at the Metlife Stadium in July.
“The first impression is that it is a great honor to lead the best national team in the world,” said Ancelotti. “I realize that Brazil wants to become a champion again.
“I have received a lot of affection, I know we are going to do very well. I thank the CBF for bringing me here and Real Madrid for giving the opportunity to negotiate.”
Ancelotti also predicted that his native Italy will be one of the most important rivals in Brazil during next year's tournament, and added: “Football has different eras and generations, these can influence the results. I believe that Italy and Brazil will be competitive again next year.
“Italy worked very hard and Brazil has always been to a high level. Brazil, for example, perhaps had the best team in 1982, but won Italy because you have to combine talent with the spirit of sacrifice and hard work to succeed.”
Brazilian team: 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 (Real Betis), Estevao (Palmeiras), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).