According to the Brazilian media outlet Futebol no Rio, the Brazilian Football Federation reportedly pressured coach Carlo Ancelotti to include Neymar in the list of 26 players called up for the 2026 World Cup.
A surprising call-up. Neymar’s presence in the Brazilian selection for the 2026 World Cup was eagerly awaited by some die-hard fans, but few truly believed it would happen. However, on Monday night, Carlo Ancelotti did announce the name of the former PSG star, sparking a fervor rarely seen at the announcement of a World Cup list. The player with 79 goals (two more than Pelé) in 128 appearances will indeed participate in his fourth World Cup finals. For months, the Neymar saga had captivated Brazil: at 34, would Neymar, plagued by recurring physical setbacks, succeed in his race against time to rejoin the Seleção, with whom he had not played since October 2023?
Pressure from sponsors? To this question, Carlo Ancelotti, who had never called him up before, reportedly responded – no. This is what Futebol no Rio indicates. According to the Brazilian media, the Italian coach did not intend to include Neymar in the squad until last Thursday. The coach allegedly faced pressure from the Brazilian Football Federation, which reportedly asked him to include the striker in the list. This request, as per Futebol no Rio, is said to be driven by sponsor pressure and massive financial stakes.
During discussions with the CBF regarding Carlo Ancelotti’s contract extension as head of the Seleção, which was formalized until 2030 on Thursday, his advisor ultimately convinced the Italian to include Neymar in the list. While awaiting news on how “Ney” will approach the World Cup, the Brazilian star recently suffered a calf edema that prevented him from playing in the Copa Sudamericana match between Santos and San Lorenzo (2-2) on Wednesday. His situation is reportedly causing tension within the Brazilian squad. In the World Cup, Brazil will face Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland in Group C.
