Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has disclosed that he benched Neymar from the 2-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 win over Japan as a tactical precaution.
Speaking to host broadcasters after the game, Ancelotti said he had intended to bring Neymar on in the second half but chose to preserve him because the scores were level.
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“We were waiting for Neymar for extra time. I spoke with him, he would have come in in the 60th or 65th minute. We equalised the game, and I didn’t want to change the structure because the team had control of the game,” he told media.
“We have a lot of options, on the bench and on the pitch. Japan are not an easy team. They’re an organised side, very intense. The fact that we deserved to win is very important.”
Reflecting on the match, Ancelotti expressed respect for Japan’s performance and explained why he did not celebrate immediately after the win.
“People asked me why I didn’t celebrate, but football is also about respect. Yes, we were happy to win, but I looked across and saw a Japanese team that had given absolutely everything. They fought with incredible courage, and I know exactly how painful a defeat like that can be.
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“Japan made us suffer for ninety-five minutes. They deserved our respect, not exaggerated celebrations. Brazil are through, but we know we must improve. Tonight we celebrate the qualification, but tomorrow we go back to work because the World Cup only gets more difficult from here,” said Ancelotti.
Brazil will face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the Round of 16 on July 5 at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
