Balance was the stated aim of Carlo Ancelotti’s 2026 World Cup plan for Brazil, but the team’s structure broke down after a second-half substitution against Norway, according to the report. Ancelotti brought on 34-year-old Neymar halfway through the second half and Brazil went on to lose 2-1.
Up to that point, Brazil had allowed Norway plenty of possession but remained protected and set up to strike on the break, the account says. Neymar’s reduced mobility forced him into a central role, which pushed Vinícius Júnior and Endrick out toward the flanks, removed the team’s front press and left Brazil more exposed. Norway then provided service to Erling Haaland, who had the decisive impact.
There were reasons Ancelotti considered Neymar for the squad, the report notes. The coach has described the current Brazil side as relying more on speed than elaboration and said he had no player with Lucas Paquetá’s characteristics to replace the injured midfielder. Neymar still possesses vision for passes and set-piece ability, and a 26-player roster left room for a wild-card selection; teammates were also described as broadly accepting of his presence.
The decision was controversial at home. Many in Brazil opposed Neymar’s inclusion, while millions backed him and a large lobby, including high-profile former players, pushed for his call-up, the piece says. When the squad was named on May 18, Ancelotti appeared somewhat sheepish about leaving Chelsea’s João Pedro out.
The report details Neymar’s fitness concerns: a serious knee injury in October 2023, a spell at Al Hilal during which the club did not register him for the domestic league and coach Jorge Jesus saying he was not fit enough. After about a year and a half back at Santos, his 15 appearances were described as showing reduced flexibility, slower movement and a tendency to be dispossessed. Ancelotti had publicly said Neymar would be picked only if his performances merited inclusion and that he would not take injured players; the report says those conditions were not met when the squad was announced.
