Ancelotti’s Open Door: Neymar, Mbappe, and Brazil’s World Cup 2026 Blueprint
25 March 2026
Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding Neymar's omission from the Seleção squad for the upcoming friendlies with France and Croatia, a decision fans fear could threaten his World Cup 2026 hopes.
The Brazil squad will meet France in a friendly tomorrow and then Croatia midweek, marking the final international window before the tournament in 2026.
Ancelotti explained Neymar's absence by citing fitness concerns, though Brazilian media have suggested the coach is unhappy with the player's recovery progress.
Source notes indicate Neymar pledged to follow the plan, yet a report by RMC Sport claimed he was seen spending a long period playing poker, raising questions about adherence to the rest schedule.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo weighed in, saying that if Neymar is fit, Ancelotti would likely include him at the World Cup, a move that could be a major boost for the team.
There is no rule
In a press conference this week, Ancelotti lamented that the international window comes at a pivotal moment of the European season and conceded that not all players are available due to injuries.
When asked about Neymar's absence and the surrounding debate, the Italian coach said he monitors and listens to everything, then makes his decisions.
He added that it is natural for opinions to abound in football; there is no fixed rule, everyone has their view, and he respects all perspectives.
Read also: Vinicius says he will not follow Griezmann's path; we are not the World Cup favorites either.
Praise for Mbappe
Separately, Ancelotti praised Kylian Mbappe, noting that the French star remains extremely dangerous, efficient, and rapid in finishing.
He recalled working with Mbappe and said the forward scored many goals last year, now shaping the French team's high-quality offense with a dangerous counterattacking threat.
Mbappe's presence means Brazil must balance defense and attack, with Ancelotti stressing the need to control transitions.
The plan continues
Despite the praise, Ancelotti dismissed any thought of altering Brazil's approach to face France, insisting the match will be a very important test and that his plan of deploying four attackers remains in place.
The aim is a balanced performance achieved through solid defense and effective ball progression to showcase the attacking quartet's quality.
Nonetheless, injuries will force a defensive reshuffle, with Eder Militao, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Marquinhos among the players dealing with discomfort. Marquinhos might miss the France game but could be ready for Croatia.
For now, Ancelotti indicated there is only one defensive doubt against France, with Douglas Santos, Wesley, and Leo Pereira set to feature in the backline.
Punchline time: if Neymar plays poker as much as he plays on the field, he might need a bigger chair for the World Cup locker room. And remember, in football as in life, there are no real rules—only spotlights, chips, and the occasional tactical bluff.
