Coach Carlo Ancelotti during the announcement of the Brazil squad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 16/3. AP

With only 11 weeks remaining until the 2026 World Cup, football fever is already sweeping across Brazil. People are preparing for parties, drinks, and decorating streets. However, unlike the usual excitement, confidence in a triumphant outcome is not clearly evident.

The arrival of Carlo Ancelotti, who was expected to inject new life after leaving Real Madrid, has not yet met expectations. His team is seen as diligent and pragmatic, but lacks the spontaneity and creativity that defined "joga bonito" - the beautiful, artistic, attacking, and highly creative style synonymous with the Samba nation.

Consequently, Neymar's exclusion from the squad for the friendly matches against France and Croatia during these FIFA Days, which also marks the final training camp before the 2026 World Cup, has sparked considerable controversy.

Since their defeat to Croatia in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals, the yellow and green team has struggled to regain its standing. The passing of legend Pele, coinciding with Argentina's triumph, further shook Brazil's top position. It has been over two decades since their last World Cup victory in 2002, a drought as long as the period from 1970 to 1994. Although they qualified for the 2026 World Cup, their qualification campaign was unconvincing: Brazil lost 6 matches and finished 5th in the South American region.

Ronaldo Nazario lifts the trophy after Brazil defeated Germany 2-0 in the 2002 World Cup final. Reuters

History, however, offers a glimmer of hope. In 2002, they did not top the qualifiers but still claimed the title thanks to the brilliant performance of "The Phenomenon" Ronaldo Nazario. Previously, in 1994, Romario played a heroic role in leading the team to victory.

Neymar, at 34 years old, is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 matches. Many believe the former Barca and PSG star could reprise a "savior" role, as Romario or Ronaldo once did. A friend of Neymar, actor Rafael Zulu, even publicly urged Ancelotti to call him up, quipping: "Disney cannot exist without Mickey". Legend Romario also voiced his support.

Ancelotti, however, maintains his stance. He has not called up Neymar for any of the five most recent training camps, citing the player's lack of peak physical condition and form.

Neymar injured during the Santos match against Atletico Mineiro at Estadio Urbano Caldeira, Santos, Brazil on 16/4/2025. Reuters

Beyond his professional performance, Neymar has also drawn criticism for his off-field activities. He missed one Santos match when Ancelotti was present to observe, then appeared in two subsequent matches before again being sidelined. The Brazilian club stated they wanted to "manage Neymar's workload", but media reported the player spent up to 16 hours playing online poker, simultaneously posting promotional videos for PokerStars. His relationship with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has also fractured. After not receiving a birthday greeting, Neymar expressed dissatisfaction, with the CBF responding that they only send wishes to "world champions".

Despite the pressure, Ancelotti is determined to build his squad. He is currently shaping the core lineup for the 2026 World Cup opener against Morocco, featuring many key players competing in Europe. In attack, Vinicius and Raphinha are almost certain to start on the wings, while Matheus Cunha is considered a candidate for the central striker position – and could even wear the number 10 jersey if Neymar is absent. This has sparked debate in Brazil, where the number 10 jersey was worn by icons such as Pele, Zico, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Kaka.

Vinicius (left) and Raphinha are expected to lead Brazil's attack at the 2026 World Cup.

Despite lingering doubts, Brazil possesses a deep and talented squad, with many players competing in the Premier League, such as Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) and Joao Pedro (Chelsea). Young forward Endrick expresses full confidence in the Italian coach, believing Ancelotti can maximize each player's potential – a capability proven at Real Madrid.

Ancelotti's greatest strengths are his ability to withstand pressure and maintain his convictions. But the big question remains: can he rebuild Brazil, restore confidence, and end their 24-year title drought? The 2026 World Cup will provide the answer.