2026 World Cup: Neymar not happy to sit on the bench – Ancelotti

Brazil head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has admitted that Neymar Jr is not happy with playing a limited role at the 2026 World Cup.

However, Ancelotti insists the Santos forward has handled the situation professionally and remains a positive influence within the squad.

The country’s all-time leading goalscorer has made just one substitute appearance at his fourth World Cup, playing the final 14 minutes of Brazil’s 3-0 win over Scotland in the group stage.

Neymar, 34, is again likely to be on the bench for Sunday’s last-16 match against Norway at MetLife Stadium.

“He’s not satisfied, but he’s behaving very well. He’s training very well. Neymar is very respectful, kind, and loved by his teammates,” Ancelotti told Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo in an interview published on Friday.

“He’s an important figure in the team because he has quality, and he’s a very humble person. I’m very happy with him. And, obviously, he wants to play, like he always has.”

2026 World Cup: Neymar not happy to sit on the bench – Ancelotti