Carlo Ancelotti made noise in the soccer world when he decided not to select Neymar for Brazilian national team’s matches in September. Knowing the impact that has on the squad, he explained what went behind the choice.
Ancelotti is going into Brazil’s remaining matches of World Cup Qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They have two games to deal with despite already having secured a spot after beating Paraguay 1-0 in the June qualifiers.
Ancelotti has yet to test Neymar this year due to injuries he sustained at the club level with Santos FC. The superstar forward hasn’t appeared in a Brazil game since October 2023 when he tore his ACL in a 2-0 loss to Uruguay.
However, the chance to select Neymar was there for Ancelotti, but the manager still opted to not bring him for these matches. He went over the decision, stating it was due to a small injury he picked up but said there was no need to test him as he wants Neymar to be healthy.
“Neymar had a small problem last week, but we don’t need to test Neymar. Everyone knows him. Neymar, like everyone else, has to be in good physical condition to help the National Team perform well in the World Cup,” Ancelotti said during the press conference.
“Neymar had a small problem last week, but we do not need to test Neymar. Everyone knows him. Neymar, like everyone else, has to be in good physical condition to help the Seleção perform well in the World Cup.”
What Lies Ahead For Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil
GettyCarlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil, salutes Julio Enciso of Paraguay during the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier between Brazil and Paraguay at Neo Quimica Arena on June 10, 2025 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)
It’s a big decision for Carlo Ancelotti to make about Neymar. He understands the consequences it has on Brazil to not have their best player on the pitch for the qualifiers.
However, he certainly understands there isn’t a need to play Neymar in games that no longer matter in the grand scheme of things. Brazil already secured its spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, meaning they can shift towards giving younger and inexperienced players chances to show what they can provide to the national team.
On the other hand, it would be beneficial for Ancelotti to play Neymar as soon as possible. Not choosing him for September means he will have to wait until the October matches, which are friendlies against Japan and South Korea. They are countries who already punched their ticket to the World Cup, which would be a good opportunity for Ancelotti to finally implement Neymar into the lineup.
The national team currently sits at the third spot of the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points and counting after getting seven wins, five losses and four draws. They are even with Ecuador for the second spot while trailing Argentina by 10 points.
Brazil will prepare for its last two qualifier matches in September. They will first host Chile on Sept. 4 at 8:30 p.m. ET before going away to face Bolivia on Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Carlo Ancelotti Explains Why He Didn’t Select Neymar For Brazil’s September Matches