In a shocking development for Brazilian football, reports from Football New Rio suggest that head coach Carlo Ancelotti was pressured into including Neymar Jr. in the final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the Italian manager’s tactical reservations, the former Barcelona and PSG star will travel to North America following immense pressure from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
The Secret Meeting and Contractual Pressure
Ancelotti, who has managed the Seleção for a year without calling upon Neymar, reportedly intended to maintain this exclusion for the upcoming tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
However, during a meeting last week to discuss his contract renewal, CBF officials explicitly demanded Neymar’s inclusion. Fearing a public backlash and potential financial losses from commercial sponsors, Ancelotti ultimately conceded to the board’s demands.
Diplomatic Statements vs. Harsh Reality
During the official press conference, Ancelotti adopted a diplomatic tone, stating that Neymar “deserved his place” due to recent physical and technical improvements.
However, insiders claim these words do not reflect his true conviction. To maintain authority, the former Real Madrid boss held a private meeting with Neymar, establishing strict protocols: the 34-year-old will not be a starter, nor will he wear the captain’s armband.
Social Media Lockdown
The CBF has also issued a stern warning to the Santos star regarding his conduct. To ensure focus during the World Cup, Neymar has been instructed to limit his social media activity, aiming to avoid the controversies that have plagued his previous international campaigns.
