Neymar has not been a regular started for Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil in FIFA World Cup 2026 so far.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted Neymar is unhappy with his limited role at the FIFA World Cup but praised the forward for staying professional and supporting the team. Neymar has played only once in the tournament so far. The 34 year old came off the bench for the final 14 minutes in Brazil’s 3 0 win over Scotland during the group stage. The country’s all time leading scorer is expected to start on the bench again when Brazil face Norway in the Round of 16 on Monday at MetLife Stadium.
“He’s not satisfied, but he’s behaving very well. He’s training very well. Neymar is very respectful, kind, and loved by his teammates,” Ancelotti told Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo. “He’s an important figure in the team because he has quality and he’s a very humble person. I’m very happy with him. And, obviously, he wants to play, like he always has. Neymar arrived at the World Cup with a right calf injury. Ancelotti said the former Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain forward is now fit enough to play a full match. “The important thing is that he can play. No one knows how long he will play. He has the experience to manage his minutes in the game and the tempo. When I see that the team needs him, I’ll put him on (the pitch),” said the Italian.
Brazil have never beaten Norway. They have drawn two and lost two of their four previous meetings. Brazil have also not beaten a European team in a World Cup knockout match since lifting the trophy in 2002. “It’s always difficult, but we are confident we will play a good game,” Ancelotti said. “They are a very well-organised team defensively and their coach is doing a very good job in that area. “We are prepared for anything that can happen. We may concede a goal, but we are prepared to react.”
