Ancelotti Emphasizes Competition, Versatility, and Neymar's Return in Brazil's World Cup Preparations
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti highlights player competition, team versatility, and Neymar’s potential comeback as the national team gears up for the 2026 World Cup.
- • Ancelotti emphasizes no defined starting XI, promoting competition among players.
- • Brazil’s team showcases a blend of individual quality and collective commitment in their playing style.
- • Neymar’s return to the national team remains a possibility after injury recovery.
- • Brazil recently defeated South Korea 5-0, praised for team balance and offensive power.
- • Preparation includes friendly matches against Japan and African teams ahead of the World Cup.
Key details
Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of the Brazilian national football team, shared his strategic vision and approach as Brazil prepares for the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing player competition, versatility, and the potential return of star forward Neymar.
In a press conference on October 13, 2025, Ancelotti highlighted that there is currently no defined starting lineup for Brazil. Instead, he advocates for fostering a healthy competitive atmosphere among players to boost motivation and performance. "A little competition is good for the motivation of each player," Ancelotti explained, while noting that versatility is key, as Brazil's squad is capable of playing in various systems due to their individual quality.
The coach underscored the blend of individual talent and collective effort as central to Brazil’s playing style, often referred to as "jogo bonito" or beautiful football. He clarified that this style is not solely about aesthetics but equally about the team’s collective commitment, saying, "Beautiful football is, obviously, the individual quality that every player in Brazil has. But collective commitment is also beautiful football."
Brazil recently secured a commanding 5-0 victory over South Korea, a performance Ancelotti praised for its balance and teamwork. Ahead of Brazil’s friendly match against Japan at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium, Ancelotti mentioned the opportunity to test alternative strategies and lineups before the next FIFA date in November.
Regarding Neymar, Ancelotti confirmed that the legendary forward remains in consideration for national team selection after a two-year absence. Neymar is expected to return to club action with Santos in November following a muscular injury. "When he is well, he has the quality to play not only for the national team but for any team in the world," the coach affirmed. Brazil also plans to face African teams in London and Paris that November as part of their World Cup preparations.
Recognizing the challenges of coaching Brazil as a foreigner, Ancelotti confidently remarked, "In life, there is always a first time," acknowledging no foreign coach has ever won the World Cup with Brazil. Midfielder Bruno Guimarães voiced optimism about maintaining the team’s successful style demonstrated against South Korea, while goalkeeper Hugo Souza is expected to make a notable impact in upcoming matches.
Ancelotti’s approach notably balances tactical experimentation and fostering a motivated, versatile squad aiming to unify individual brilliance with collective effort as Brazil readies for the global stage.