Ancelotti explains why he included Neymar in Brazil World Cup squad | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti explains that Neymar’s physical condition has ‘improved’, but he will have the ‘same duties’ as the other Brazilian players at the World Cup.

Ancelotti has named his 26-man Brazil squad for the World Cup, including Neymar and Serie A stars Gleison Bremer and Wesley.

Ancelotti: Brazil ‘assessed Neymar all season’

“We have assessed Neymar all season. He has really improved in recent times, improving his physical condition. He’s an important player, and he’ll be important at the World Cup,” Ancelotti said at a press conference via Tuttosport.

“Neymar will have the same duties as the other 25 players: he has a chance to play, or not play, staying on the bench or being introduced as a substitute. He has the same responsibility as the others. He’s an experienced player. In some roles, in goal and attack, we have prioritised experience.

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 26: Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti waves before the international friendly match between Brazil and France at Gillette Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

“It was difficult to pick these 26 players because the competition is very high in this country,” added the Italian tactician.

“I want to thank everyone for their hard work and the fantastic effort to make it onto this list. It’s a list that expresses quality with a fantastic collective spirit, attitude, concentration and discipline. I’m sure it’s not a perfect list, but the team that will win the World Cup won’t be perfect. The perfect team doesn’t exist.

“We want to be a resilient team to try to win the World Cup. I’m not afraid to say we can win the World Cup. There are high expectations, and this gives more motivation; it’s an important aspect in the preparation.”