'When He Started...': Ancelotti Reveals Moment He Opted To Hand Neymar FIFA WC 2026 Call-Up

Published 5 June 2026 · sports

'When He Started...': Ancelotti Reveals Moment He Opted To Hand Neymar FIFA WC 2026 Call-Up Published By, Last Updated: June 05, 2026, 23:46 IST Ancelotti

'When He Started...': Ancelotti Reveals Moment He Opted To Hand Neymar FIFA WC 2026 Call-Up Published By, Last Updated: June 05, 2026, 23:46 IST Ancelotti opened up that Neymar's consistent showings for boyhood club Santos on his return convinced him to hand the star forward the national team slot despite injury concerns. Neymar. (AFP) Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed the moment he decided to call superstar Neymar up to the national squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 slated to be held in USA, Canada and Mexico. Ancelotti opened up that Neymar’s consistent showings for boyhood club Santos on his return convinced him to hand the star forward the national team slot despite injury concerns.

“When did I decide to call up Neymar? The moment he started playing consistently in the Brasileirão. In the last period, after the March FIFA international break. In April he played consistently and at a good level," Ancelotti said. “Yes, I felt the clamor. From all sides, stadiums, airports, restaurants, everywhere. I didn’t call him up because of that, certainly not." “It’s normal, that’s how you understand how important football is in this country," the Brazil gaffer added. Brazil have turned to the most successful manager in European club football with a single aim: to guide the most decorated nation in international football to their long-awaited sixth world title. The Seleção, who have lifted the most coveted trophy in the sport a record five times—in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002—have been unable to repeat that triumph since.

They will be desperate to end a drought of more than two decades when the global showpiece kicks off in the USA, Canada and Mexico in June. The CBF, the Brazilian Football Confederation, have appointed the vastly experienced Italian Carlo Ancelotti in the hope of returning the World Cup to its spiritual home. The 66-year-old is expected to spare no effort in his pursuit of the coveted crown. Ancelotti’s record is remarkable: he is the only manager to have won the UEFA Champions League title as many as five times, twice with AC Milan and three times with Real Madrid. A football-obsessed nation will now place their faith in the veteran coach to bring the biggest prize in world sport back to Brazil after 24 years.

News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Brazil First Published: June 05, 2026, 21:34 IST News sports football 'When He Started...': Ancelotti Reveals Moment He Opted To Hand Neymar FIFA WC 2026 Call-Up Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...