Neymar didn’t play in Brazil’s win over Japan in the Round of 32, and Carlo Ancelotti explained the reason behind his absence. Brazil secured their place in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 with a 2-1 win over Japan, but the headline coming out of the match centered on Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to keep Neymar on the bench for the entirety of the match. Afterwards, the Italian coach explained that he had a specific plan in mind for the Brazilian superstar that ultimately wasn’t needed.
“I was waiting for extra time to bring on Neymar. I spoke with him. If we weren’t winning, or if the match was still tied, he was coming on in the 60th or 65th minute. But we were ahead, and I didn’t want to change the structure, because the team had control of the game,” Ancelotti said.
During the match, Ancelotti brought on Endrick at the start of the second half, then introduced Gabriel Martinelli in the 66th minute. The Arsenal forward ended up being decisive, scoring the late winning goal that sent Brazil through to the next round.
*Developing story