Neymar in Ancelotti's thoughts despite absence from first Brazil squad

Carlo Ancelotti has reassured Brazil supporters that Neymar is in his plans for the 2026 World Cup, despite leaving the forward out of his first Selecao squad.

Ancelotti gave his first press conference as Brazil head coach on Monday, having travelled to Rio de Janeiro ahead of next month's World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.

The Italian will lead Brazil until the end of their 2026 World Cup campaign as they seek a record-extending sixth title, and his first task was to name a 26-man squad for those qualifiers.

Ancelotti recalled his former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro to the squad after a year-long absence, but there was no space for Neymar as he continues his recovery from a thigh injury.

Neymar last represented Brazil in October 2023, when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.

Asked about Neymar's absence, Ancelotti told reporters: "He has returned to Brazil to play and prepare well for the World Cup. 

"I have spoken to him to explain this call and he agrees with us."

Brazil are currently fourth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification group, 10 points adrift of runaway leaders Argentina but with a six-point buffer to Venezuela in the play-off spot.

But their new boss believes in their chances of lifting the World Cup at MetLife Stadium next July.

"The first impression is that it's a great honour to lead the best national team in the world," Ancelotti said. "I realise Brazil want to be champions again. 

"I received a lot of affection, I know we're going to do very well. I thank the CBF for bringing me here, and Real Madrid for giving me the opportunity to negotiate."

Ancelotti also predicted that his native Italy will be among Brazil's main rivals at next year's tournament, adding: "Football has different eras and generations, these can affect the results. I believe Italy and Brazil will be competitive again next year.

"Italy worked really hard and Brazil have always been at a high level. For example, Brazil had arguably the best squad in 1982, but Italy won because you need to combine talent with the spirit of sacrifice and hard work in order to succeed."

Brazil squad: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians); Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Danilo (Flamengo), Leo Ortiz (Flamengo), Wesley (Flamengo), Alexsandro (Lille), Lucas Beraldo (Paris Saint-Germain), Carlos Augusto (Inter), Vanderson (Monaco); Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Andrey Santos (Strasbourg), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Ederson (Atalanta), Gerson (Flamengo); Antony (Real Betis), Estevao (Palmeiras), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).