Ancelotti Selects Weverton for 2026 World Cup Based on Experience Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of the Brazilian national team, confirmed on Monday that he included veteran goalkeeper Weverton in the 26-player squad for the 2026 World Cup. The decision was based on Weverton's experience, despite the player not being part of previous selections. Weverton, 38, was previously Alisson Becker's backup in the 2022 World Cup and is now part of the final squad for the tournament hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Weverton, who plays for Gremio, was a surprise inclusion in the list of 26 convocados. The player did not appear in any of Ancelotti's prior call-up lists, as the coach had been testing younger goalkeepers in previous selections. The main uncertainty was whether Ancelotti would choose Bento (Al-Nassr-SAU) or Hugo Souza (Corinthians), both of whom had been part of previous squads. Ancelotti explained that the decision to select Weverton was driven by the need for experience in the goalkeeper position, stating that the team did not require further trials with younger players. The coach emphasized that experience was a key factor in the selection of Weverton, similar to the reasoning behind including Neymar, the all-time leading scorer for Brazil, despite the player's absence from the national team since October 2023. Ancelotti acknowledged his regret over not being able to call up Bento or Souza but noted that both players are still young enough to participate in future World Cups. Ancelotti used the press conference to clarify that his decision to include Weverton and Neymar was based on their experience and leadership qualities, which he believes are essential for the demands of a World Cup.#carlo_ancelotti #2026_world_cup #brazil_national_team #weverton #gremio
Carlo Ancelotti Drops Neymar Jr. from Brazil Squad for France and Croatia Friendlies Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar Jr. was excluded from the national team squad for the upcoming international friendlies against France and Croatia. The decision, which surprised many fans, was based on the forward’s current physical condition rather than his talent or ability. Ancelotti emphasized that the team requires players who are fully fit and ready to perform at their best. Neymar, 34, has faced significant challenges with injuries in recent years. After undergoing serious knee surgery in 2023, he has struggled to regain full fitness. This season, he has played only four matches for Santos, with his last appearance coming in a 1–1 draw against Corinthians, where he completed the full 90 minutes. However, he missed a subsequent match against Mirassol due to a muscle strain caused by fatigue. The last time Neymar played for Brazil was in October 2023, during a South American World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, where he suffered the knee injury that led to his prolonged recovery. Ancelotti clarified that the decision to leave Neymar out of the squad was purely a physical assessment. “If he arrives at the next World Cup at 100%, he can participate,” the coach said. “Why isn’t he on this list now? Because he isn’t at 100%. We need players who are at 100% right now.” Ancelotti also reiterated that the decision was not about Neymar’s technical skills or potential. “He handles the ball very well,” the coach stated. “For the coaching staff and me, he hasn’t yet reached his full potential. He has to work to achieve it.” The coach added that Neymar must continue training and playing to regain his best form, with the door to future selection still open if he can fully recover.#carlo_ancelotti #santos #neymar_jr #brazil_national_team #france_croatia_friendlies
