Will Ancelotti cave in? Sponsors and officials demand Neymar’s inclusion in World Cup 2026 squad
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
Neymar’s return to the Brazilian national team has become not just a sporting issue, but a matter of big business.
Details: According to LIBERTA DEPRE, the top management of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), along with key sponsors, are putting intense pressure on the coaching staff to ensure that Santos’ number ten secures his spot in the final squad for the World Cup, which will be announced on May 18.
Let’s recall that Seleção head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed his stance in an interview with L’Equipe: the door remains open for Neymar, with the only condition being that the player must complete a run of matches injury-free before the tournament begins.
For the national team’s commercial partners, Neymar’s presence at the World Cup in the United States is a critical factor. Despite the squad boasting global stars like Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, and young talent Estêvão, none possess Neymar’s media clout. With an audience of 272 million followers, the forward is a magnet for reach and marketing deals on the American stage.
The biggest Brazilian broadcasters have also joined the campaign, fearing a ratings slump if their main idol is absent from the tournament.
Reminder: Yuri Alberto may change his Brazilian citizenship to Italian.
