'He can't play on the wing' – Ancelotti reveals Neymar's ideal position for Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign
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The forward is likely to miss the first group stage match due to injury.
If Neymar is fit enough to participate in the opening World Cup game, he will not be competing for playing time against Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior, according to Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Due to a strain in his right calf, the Santos star missed Brazil’s 6-2 friendly victory over Panama at the Maracanã on Sunday. He is also doubtful for his nation’s opening World Cup match against Morocco on June 13.
Neymar will play centrally for Brazil, not on the wing
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Ancelotti has now revealed that the Santos star won’t play on the wing during the World Cup, but rather will feature in the centre of the pitch.
“Neymar has to play in the position he’s meant to play,” Ancelotti said.
“It’s in the centre of the field; he can’t play on the wing. He won’t play as a winger; he’ll play in the centre of the field, as a forward or attacking midfielder … in one of those positions.”
“That’s the position Vinícius [Júnior] and Raphinha played today.”
With 79 goals, Neymar, 34, is Brazil’s all-time top scorer.
Since his ACL tear during the international break in October 2023, Neymar’s ability to play for the national team has been hampered by injuries.
Update on Lucas Paquetá
When asked about his plans for Lucas Paquetá, a midfielder for Flamengo, Jokingly, Ancelotti said:
“I want to keep things a bit under wraps until the World Cup, otherwise we’ll run out of things to talk about.. It’s a bit of a help for you lot [media]. Because we’ve run out of things to say about Neymar.”
Which position will Neymar play in at World Cup 2026?
Centre of the field as an attacking midfielder.
When is Brazil’s first WC game?
14th June, 3:30 am IST.
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