Carlo Ancelotti reveals why Neymar did not play for Brazil vs Japan in FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32

Brazil have become the second team to advance into the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026

Brazil secured a 2-1 victory over Asian heavyweights Japan in a thrilling match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Houston Stadium in Texas. Since the start, the round of 32 fixture was expected to be tight, and it turned out to live up to its name.

Japan’s Kaishu Sano broke the deadlock in the 29th minute after he scored from outside the box. The Samurai Blue maintained their narrow lead throughout the first half. However, Casemiro scored the equaliser for Seleção in the 56th minute with a header, courtesy of an assist by Gabriel.

For more than 30 minutes, both teams were trying to get the best of each other by taking a lead. However, nothing seemed to work. Hajime Moriyasu’s men were trying to force the game into extra time; however, Ao Tanaka’s defensive error eventually led to a goal scored by Gabriel Martinelli in added time.

Brazil did not perform as expected, facing significant issues creating goal-scoring opportunities against Japan’s low block. However, Neymar, regarded as Brazil’s creative genius, was on the bench throughout the game.

Also Read: List of all matches confirmed for Round of 16 of FIFA World Cup 2026

Carlo Ancelotti reveals the reason behind not introducing Neymar against Japan

Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti has claimed that he was waiting for extra time to bring Neymar Jr. into the game. The former Real Madrid manager also revealed that he had conversations with the Santos forward about playing as a substitute.

Ancelotti also claimed that he would have brought in the 34-year-old if Brazil had failed to get an equaliser until the one-hour mark. He explained that he is not in favour of making any formative changes during the game. He said:

“I was waiting for extra time… I talked it over with him: If we didn’t score the equalizer, he was coming in around the 60th or 65th minute. I just didn’t want to change the structure because we had control of the match.”

Talking about the next round, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will face the winner of the round-of-32 clash between the Ivory Coast and Norway. The game will be played on Sunday, July 5, at the New York-New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.