Supporters Call for Neymar to Return to the Brazilian National Team, Ancelotti: Just Focus on What's Here

JAKARTA - When the French National Team (Timnas) scored the second goal at the Gillette Stadium, United States, Friday, March 27, 2026 WIB, most of the Brazilian National Team audience started shouting Neymar's name who was absent, reaffirming the demand to include the Santos star in Carlo Ancelotti's squad.

However, the Brazilian coach refused to take a position on the song, insisting that the focus must be on the players he chose.

"We should talk about those who are here, who play, who give everything, who perform to the maximum, and who work hard. I'm satisfied," said the Italian coach, who also pointed out that there is a lot of competition for a place in the Brazilian squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar's hopes of playing at the 2026 World Cup are fading as he struggles to rediscover his best form with Santos. However, former team-mates such as Casemiro, still believe in his talent.

"We know the quality Neymar has. He is very important for the Brazilian national team, especially when he is at his best."

"For my generation, he is in the top three: Cristiano, Messi, and Neymar. I am a close friend of him and it is not my right to decide who they will bring in," said the Manchester United midfielder after a friendly match in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Despite having Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid and Raphinha from Barcelona leading the attack, Brazil lacked firepower against France.

Ancelotti defended both, citing a muscle injury as the reason Raphinha was replaced in the first half.

"I think Raphinha played very well. He had a little muscle discomfort at the end of the first half and we had to replace him."

"However, he has a lot of chances and very good movements without the ball. Vini always tries. He always makes a difference."

"A striker can't always score goals, but the hard work of both of them was very good," Ancelotti said.

The Italian coach saw positive aspects in the team's performance, which improved in the second half against France, especially after the introduction of Luiz Henrique, but he could not avoid defeat.

"I think the game made me very confident that we can compete with the best teams in the world. I have no doubt about that."

"We played against a very strong team with a lot of quality. We competed until the last moments, while the opponent wasted time to secure the victory."

"I am sure that we will fight for the 2026 World Cup with all our energy," said Ancelotti.

Meanwhile, Brazil will face Croatia on April 1, 2026 WIB as the last test agenda before Ancelotti announces the final squad for the 2026 World Cup.