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TRIBUNNEWS.COM - Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has sent a clear message to Neymar ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Although the Italian tactician has included the superstar in Brazil’s squad, he made it clear that there will be no guaranteed starting spot for the Santos forward.

Neymar will have to compete directly with Vinicius Junior and Raphinha for a place in the starting lineup of the Selecao attack.

The statement came after Brazil demolished Panama 6-2 in a friendly match at Maracana Stadium on Sunday (1 June 2026).

Neymar missed that game due to an ongoing calf injury and is doubtful for Brazil’s opening World Cup match against Morocco on June 14.

Despite the uncertainty, Ancelotti still included Neymar in Brazil’s final roster for the 2026 World Cup.

This tournament will mark Neymar’s fourth appearance in the World Cup.

However, unlike in previous years, Neymar’s position within the team is no longer untouchable.

“Neymar must play in a role that suits him best,” Ancelotti said after Brazil’s win over Panama, as quoted by ESPN.

“That’s in the central area. He can’t play on the wings. He won’t be a winger, but rather a central forward or attacking midfielder,” he added.

Interestingly, the position Ancelotti referred to is the same area currently occupied by Vinicius Junior and Raphinha in Brazil’s new tactical setup.

Against Panama, Raphinha operated more centrally behind striker Matheus Cunha, while Vinicius and Luiz Henrique covered the flanks.

This change signals a significant shift in Brazil’s playing style under Ancelotti’s leadership.

The coach appears keen to create a more fluid and flexible attacking line, moving away from total dependence on Neymar.

Ancelotti has also openly expressed his admiration for Raphinha, describing the Barcelona winger as one of the most vital players in Brazil’s squad today.

“I will never tell Raphinha where to play when we have possession,” said Ancelotti.

He explained that Raphinha has been granted complete freedom to explore his creativity on the field.

“What I ask from him is to stay close to the opponent’s defensive line because in attacking space, I believe he is the best player in the world,” said the former Real Madrid coach.

Such high praise highlights Raphinha’s growing influence within the Brazil squad.

Together with Vinicius Junior, the Barcelona player has become an integral part of the Selecao’s new identity.

Meanwhile, Neymar will head into the 2026 World Cup under less-than-ideal circumstances.

The ACL injury he suffered in October 2023 has kept him sidelined for much of the past few years.

Now at 34, Neymar faces the challenge of proving he can still be the central figure in Brazil’s gameplay.

Nevertheless, Ancelotti has not completely closed the door on him. The coach only wants to ensure that every player, including Neymar, competes fairly for a spot in the starting eleven.

Local Support for Brazil

The Deputy Regent of Bangkalan, Moch Fauzan Ja'far, is among those who believe that Brazil can end the 2026 World Cup as champions.

Fauzan even predicted that the Samba Boys would reach the final and face Spain in the title match.

According to him, Brazil’s strength lies in its consistently strong player development across generations.

“In terms of football talent and human resources, Brazil is a natural talent factory. It never runs dry, almost genetic. The current Samba squad is already used to playing in high-pressure environments in Europe’s top leagues,” Fauzan told Tribun Madura on Sunday (31 May 2026).

He also believes that having Carlo Ancelotti as coach is a major advantage for Brazil’s campaign in this tournament.

“Especially since the Samba team is led by Carlo Ancelotti, one of Italy’s most successful senior coaches with numerous Champions League titles at AC Milan and Real Madrid. On paper, I predict Brazil will easily top Group C and advance to the final against Spain,” Fauzan explained.

Beyond coaching and player quality, Fauzan believes that moral support from Brazilian football legends will provide an additional boost for the Selecao.

“I’m also confident that legends like Rivaldo, Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho will give their psychological support to the Brazil national team. I’m backing Brazil to win the 2026 World Cup, adding a sixth star to their national jersey,” Fauzan concluded.

(Tribunnews.com/Tio) (TribunMadura)