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Carlo Ancelotti stands by Neymar as Brazil fans question World Cup injury decision
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- Carlo Ancelotti stands by Neymar as Brazil fans question World Cup injury decision
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar will remain in Brazil's World Cup squad despite his injury concern.
The Brazil manager said: "We expect Neymar for the first World Cup game against Morocco. If he cannot make it, we will wait for the second game. We are not changing anyone. The players chosen are these 26, and these 26 will play the World Cup."
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Ancelotti's comments confirm that Brazil do not plan to replace Neymar before the tournament. The forward remains part of the 26-man group selected for the World Cup.
Carlo Ancelotti says Brazil will wait for Neymar
Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
Ancelotti made it clear that Neymar's place in the squad is not under review at this stage.
His answer also confirmed Brazil's plan for the opening games. If Neymar is not ready to face Morocco, the national team will wait for him ahead of the second match.
The manager also said there would be no changes to the group. That means the 26 players already selected are expected to remain Brazil's squad for the World Cup.
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Neymar's fitness will still be followed closely before the opener. However, Ancelotti's public position is that Brazil will give him time rather than make a late change.
Brazil fans react to Neymar decision
Brazil fans have reacted strongly to Ancelotti's comments, with several supporters questioning the decision to keep Neymar in the squad.
One fan wrote that Ancelotti "seems completely comfortable" with the situation, adding that it felt as though "what matters is 2030" rather than the 2026 tournament.
Another supporter said there would be "no excuses" if the result does not come, while one fan claimed Neymar "is the one in charge" and predicted Brazil would struggle at the World Cup.
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Other comments focused on sponsorship and Neymar's influence around the national team. Those are fan reactions and not verified claims about the decision-making process.
For now, the position from Ancelotti is straightforward. Neymar is staying in the squad, Brazil will wait for his recovery, and the 26-man group will not be changed.
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