The Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti announced this Monday (18), the 26 players that make up the Brazilian squad for the 2026 World Cup. , the coach, citing his experience, physical improvement and influence on the group, although conditioning was the most highlighted point by Ancelotti.
“In the last few games he played with continuity, he may have the possibility of improving his physical condition until the World Cup games. And also experience, affection that he has in the group can create a better environment in the group and that helps the team.”
However, the star’s presence in matches is not guaranteed, as reinforced by the coach, only the training pitch can confirm this: “I want to be clear, clean, honest – he will play if he deserves to play – we have training and the training pitch will tell us if he will play (…) I have to see in training how his preparation is going, if there is good physical and mental condition to be able to be in the starting team.
Regarding the star, Ancelotti highlighted that he has the same chance as the rest of the squad, highlighting the importance of not placing all expectations on a single player, but helping the team to win games. “We are certain that we chose Neymar not because we think he will be a good backup, we chose him because we think he can bring qualities to the team – the team collectively.” The Mister also confirmed that Neymar should act as “a more centralized attackero”
Goalkeepers
Another surprise in the summons, Weverton entered Ancelotti’s list at the last minute for a reason in common with Neymar: experience. “In some positions, such as goalkeeper, experience is privileged, which is why we also called Weverton from Grêmio, because he is an experienced player, We know your value in this type of competitionbecause they are more used to it.”
“I’ve been thinking that for this competition we need another experienced player, that’s why Weverton.” Still regarding the goalkeepers, the position was the only one anticipated by Ancelotti for the friendly on the 31st, which confirmed Alisonexplaining that even though he is returning from injury, he is training and will have time to recover.
When asked about reaching the final of the 2026 World Cup, which has the largest number of players playing in Brazil since 2002, the coach highlighted his 40 years of experience and his confidence in the team’s potential to be one of the best in the world. “Yes, we can play in the final, but it is not enough, better than winning the final.
Upcoming dates
May 27: Presentation of the players at Granja Comary, in Teresópolis (RJ).
May 31: Farewell friendly against Panama, at Maracanã.
June 6: Last preparatory friendly against Egypt, in Cleveland (USA).
June 13: Official World Cup debut against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New York.
