Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti anticipates Neymar will see more action during Monday’s World Cup Round of 32 match against Japan. Ancelotti emphasized that his team is treating the knockout fixture as if it were a final. Neymar, who is recovering from a calf injury, recently played 15 minutes in Brazil’s 3-0 group-stage win over Scotland, showing promising signs of recovery.
Addressing the upcoming game in Houston, Ancelotti noted the forward’s significant improvement, stating that he is now capable of playing longer stretches. The coach also expressed respect for Japan, recalling their 3-2 defeat to the side in Tokyo last year. He stressed the importance of mental fortitude and preparation for all possibilities, including penalties or extra time.
Regarding the midday kick-off, Ancelotti expressed no concern, noting that the time aligns with their usual training schedule. He remains focused on executing a clear game plan against a well-organized opponent. Looking ahead, the manager argued that the 2026 World Cup remains wide open, with no definitive favorite emerging from the group stages in a tournament characterized by parity and intense competition.
