Ancelotti stripped Neymar of his captain’s position and his place in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Carlo Ancelotti held a private meeting with Neymar four days before the official announcement of Brazil’s squad for the World Cup. According to the prestigious newspaper Globo, the Italian coach clearly defined Neymar’s role in the new tactical scheme: the captain’s jersey will go to another player, and Neymar will start the tournament on the bench, without being considered a key player in the team’s attacks.
The decision of the coaching staff was based on a strategy to rejuvenate the squad and increase the physical intensity on the field. Neymar will play the role of a “joker” – a player who can influence the game at certain moments, but won’t bear the main burden of the team’s attacks. Ancelotti focused on younger players who can withstand high pressure and play modern positional football throughout the 90 minutes of the tournament.
For Neymar, this will be a major challenge: either accept the new conditions and fight for a place in the squad, or look for opportunities to continue his career in another club where his status would be more suitable for his ambitions. The final squad will be announced in the coming days, and the name of the captain will be revealed at that time.
Neymar will NOT be the captain of Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. He will also remain on the bench and won’t be a key player for the team. Ancelotti met with Neymar four days before the announcement of the squad, and he clearly defined Neymar’s role in the team. – Globo