Ancelotti didn't want to call up Neymar, but the federation and sponsors pressured him
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
A major scandal is erupting around Brazil's latest squad announcement for the 2026 World Cup.
Details: According to Futebolnorio, head coach of the Seleção, Carlo Ancelotti, initially had no intention of including Neymar in his final list of 26 players. Reports indicate that the Italian tactician doubted the form and fitness of the 34-year-old Santos forward, who has spent a long period recovering from serious injuries.
However, Ancelotti's original plan faced fierce resistance from the leadership of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). It is reported that confederation officials held a series of tense discussions with the coach and essentially forced him to reverse his decision. CBF bosses exerted immense pressure on the Italian, demanding the national team's biggest star be brought back into the squad for the World Cup.
The main reason for such insistence from football authorities was intense pressure from outside. Influential commercial sponsors of the team, along with millions of fans, were outraged at the prospect of Neymar missing out on the North American tournament. Sponsors made it clear that the forward's absence from his fourth World Cup would deal a massive blow to media presence, marketing, and potential revenue, so his presence in the USA, Canada, and Mexico became a non-negotiable condition.
Reminder: The German national team has announced its squad for the 2026 World Cup.
