Ancelotti Explains Neymar’s Absence In Brazil Win Against Japan

By Saheed Afolabi

Brazil coach, Carlo Ancelotti has disclosed the reasons for the absence of star player, Neymar Junior from the team’s 2-1 win against Japan in the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Samba Boys came from a goal down to edge Japan 2-1 as they zoom to the round of 16 of the World showpiece.

The Brazil coach opted to keep his team’s structure intact while they controlled the match, waiting for the right moment to deploy his star attacker.

Ancelotti said he was prepared to introduce Neymar around the 60th or 65th minute had Brazil failed to find an equalizer, as the five-time world champions pushed for a crucial result in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“I was waiting for extra time. I talked it over with him (Neymar). If we didn’t score the equalizer, he was coming in around the 60th or 65th minute,” Ancelotti said after the game.

Ancelotti’s cautious approach stemmed from his desire to maintain tactical balance.

Brazil had been dominating possession and creating chances, but were chasing an equalizer at the time.

“I just didn’t want to change the structure because we had control of the match,” the Italian tactician added.

The decision paid off as Brazil eventually found the breakthrough without the introduction of Neymar.

Ancelotti’s management of Neymar’s fitness and role continues to be a major talking point at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.