Carlo Ancelotti isn't here to make friends or satisfy nostalgia. If you're a Brazil fan expecting the 2026 World Cup to be a sentimental farewell tour for Neymar, you're in for a massive reality check. The Italian mastermind has already locked in his starting eleven for the June 13 opener against Morocco at MetLife Stadium, and the biggest name in Brazilian football isn't in it.
It's a gutsy move. Maybe even a reckless one, depending on who you ask in the streets of Rio. But for Ancelotti, the logic is simple. He wants a team that runs, presses, and survives the physical grind of a North American summer. He's betting that the legs of young stars like Endrick and Igor Thiago are worth more than the magic left in Neymar’s boots.
The MetLife Showdown Against Morocco
Brazil and Morocco are the heavy hitters of Group D. This isn't a "soft" opening match where a giant can sleepwalk to three points. Morocco is coming off a legendary 2022 run and just secured the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title. They're organized, they're loud, and they're basically playing a home game given the massive Moroccan diaspora in the New York/New Jersey area.
Ancelotti knows this. He’s spent the recent friendlies against France and Croatia doing more than just "tinkering." He was stress-testing his official lineup. When he spoke to the press recently, he didn't mince words. He said the squad is "quite defined." That’s coach-speak for: the door is closed.
Why the Neymar Snub is a Massive Gamble
You can't ignore the noise. Legends like Romário and Ronaldo Nazário are already publicly calling for Neymar’s inclusion. Romário's argument is classic Brazilian flair—you take your best talent even if they're at 80% because a star can win a game in one second.
Ancelotti disagrees. He’s seen what happens to "unbalanced" teams in modern international football. Since taking the Brazil job, he’s prioritized a high-energy system. Look at the names he’s bringing in:
- Endrick: The Lyon sensation who provides raw power.
- Igor Thiago: The Brentford striker who brings a physical presence Neymar can't match anymore.
- Rayan: The Bournemouth youngster representing the next wave.
By leaving Neymar out of the warm-up squads and signaling he won't be in the final cut, Ancelotti is drawing a line in the sand. He’s choosing the collective over the individual. If Brazil wins in East Rutherford on June 13, he’s a genius who finally modernized the Seleção. If they struggle to break down Morocco’s defense, the "Where is Neymar?" chants will be deafening.
The Strategy for June 13
Brazil’s recent form shows a team that is technically gifted but still physically vulnerable. The friendlies exposed some gaps. Ancelotti admitted the starting lineup "isn't strong enough" yet due to a wave of injuries, but he’s adamant that the tactical blueprint is set.
He isn't looking for flair. He’s looking for reliability. He wants a midfield that doesn't get bypassed. That’s why we see names like Gabriel Sara and Andrey Santos getting the nod. They provide the defensive coverage that allows Vinícius Jr. to stay high and hurt teams on the break.
Morocco will try to stifle the game. They’ll sit deep, utilize the pace of Achraf Hakimi on the counter, and bank on the New Jersey crowd to rattle the Brazilians. Ancelotti’s "strong start" plan involves aggressive wing play and high-intensity recovery of the ball. It’s "Real Madrid style" international football—clinical, fast, and occasionally brutal.
What This Means for Brazil’s 2026 Journey
Brazil enters this tournament as the fifth favorite according to the bookies. That’s an insult to a country with five stars on their chest. Spain, France, Argentina, and England are all ranked higher. Ancelotti is using that "underdog" status to fuel a siege mentality.
The CBF recently extended his contract until 2030. That’s a huge detail. It means the federation actually trusts the process. They aren't going to fire him if they drawing against Scotland or Haiti later in the group stage. They’ve given him a mandate to build a dynasty, not just a one-off winner.
If you’re betting on this match, don't expect a 4-0 blowout. Expect a tactical chess match. Morocco is disciplined and coming off a trophy win. Brazil is in a state of transition, shedding its old skin and trying to find a new identity under the most successful club manager in history.
Keep an eye on the injury reports over the next few weeks. Ancelotti’s "defined" squad still has a few holes due to fitness issues, and any further losses in the defensive line could force him to reconsider his "no veterans" stance. But for now, the message is clear: the Neymar era is over, and the Ancelotti era begins in New Jersey.
Check the final squad list when it drops in May. If Neymar’s name is truly missing, the pressure on that June 13 opener becomes astronomical. Get your tickets now; the MetLife opener is going to be a powder keg.
