2026 World Cup: Ancelotti explains Neymar snub as Brazil qualify for Round of 32

Brazil head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has explained why he didn’t summon Neymar from the bench, as they beat Japan 2-1 to qualify for the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.

Although Neymar could be spotted warming up to a great reception from the crowd, he did not play a single minute.

As Selecao fought back from one goal down to win, Ancelotti opted not to introduce the Santos superstar from the bench.

Instead, Gabriel Martinelli came on and scored a last-gasp winner.

Ancelotti, explaining the Neymar snub, said: “We were waiting for Neymar for extra time.

“I spoke with him, he would have come in in the 60th or 65th minute.

“We equalised the game, and I didn’t want to change the structure because the team had control of the game.”