Brazil Suffers 2-1 Defeat Against France in Friendly Match

Ancelotti Dodges Questions on Neymar's Potential Return After Loss

Mar. 27, 2026 at 5:38am

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Brazil suffered a 2-1 defeat against France in a friendly match held on Thursday, March 26th, in the United States. Following the match, head coach Carlo Ancelotti was questioned about whether including Neymar in the squad for the upcoming Copa do Mundo FIFA 2026 could provide a boost to the team, but he chose to focus on the players who participated in the game.

Why it matters

The match highlighted the continued significance of Neymar to the Brazilian fanbase, as his name was repeatedly chanted by the supporters in attendance. Ancelotti's stance on Neymar's inclusion in the national team hinges on the player's physical condition, as the coach has consistently stated he would only call up Neymar if he is 100% fit.

The details

Brazil struggled with creativity during the match, prompting questions about squad motivation and the potential impact of a Neymar return. Ancelotti deflected questions about Neymar, stating, 'Now we have to talk about those who are here, those who played. Everyone worked very hard and I am satisfied.' The calls for Neymar's return grew louder after France extended their lead with a goal from Ekitiké.

  • The match was played on Thursday, March 26th, 2026.
  • Brazil's next friendly match is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31st, 2026, against Croatia in Orlando, Florida.

The players

Carlo Ancelotti

The head coach of the Brazilian national team.

Neymar

A Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Santos and has been sidelined due to a serious knee injury sustained in October 2023.

Casemiro

The captain of the Brazilian national team, who expressed his admiration for Neymar and placed him among the world's elite players alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

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What they’re saying

“Now we have to talk about those who are here, those who played. Everyone worked very hard and I am satisfied.”

— Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach

“I am a fan of Neymar. Of my generation, he is in the top three. Cristiano, Messi, Neymar. We see not up to me to decide. But we know, if Neymar is well physically and mentally, he is one of the best in the world.”

— Casemiro, Captain

What’s next

Brazil's next friendly match is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31st, 2026, against Croatia in Orlando, Florida. This match will serve as another opportunity for Ancelotti to assess his squad ahead of the Copa do Mundo FIFA 2026.

The takeaway

The debate surrounding Neymar's potential inclusion in the Brazilian national team for the 2026 World Cup highlights the continued significance of the player to the team's fanbase. Ancelotti's cautious approach, which hinges on Neymar's physical fitness, underscores the coach's commitment to fielding a squad that is fully prepared to compete at the highest level.