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Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has disclosed that Neymar is unhappy with his limited bench role at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Neymar has made just one substitute appearance so far, playing the final 14 minutes in a 3-0 group-stage win over Scotland.
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Despite the star forward’s frustration, Ancelotti praised Neymar’s professional behavior, positive influence in the squad, and exemplary training habits as Brazil prepares to face Norway.
“He’s not satisfied, but he’s behaving very well. He’s training very well. Neymar is very respectful, kind, and loved by his teammates,” Ancelotti told Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo in an interview published on Friday.
“He’s an important figure in the team because he has quality and he’s a very humble person. I’m very happy with him. And, obviously, he wants to play, like he always has.”
“The important thing is that he can play. No one knows how long he will play. He has the experience to manage his minutes in the game and the tempo. When I see that the team needs him, I’ll put him on (the pitch),” said the Italian.
Ancelotti acknowledged that facing Norway in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on July 5, 2026, will be a difficult test, praising the Norwegian squad for their strong defensive organization and tactical discipline.
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“It’s always difficult, but we are confident we will play a good game,” Ancelotti said.
“They are a very well-organised team defensively and their coach is doing a very good job in that area.
“We are prepared for anything that can happen. We may concede a goal, but we are prepared to react.”
