Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli got the goals as Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in Houston to progress to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The five-time champions appeared to be heading for an embarrassingly early exit after falling behind to a terrific first-half strike from Kaishu Sano, who found the bottom corner of Alisson Becker's net with a low shot after pouncing on a misplaced pass from Danilo.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar is in "good shape" but suggested the forward will once again start on the bench for Monday’s World Cup round of 32 clash against Japan. The Santos star made his long-awaited return to the international stage as a late substitute in the Selecao's final group game against Scotland.
Carlo Ancelotti's son Davide has found himself at the centre of a storm following a viral clip from the World Cup. Footage appearing to show the Brazil national team assistant coach reacting negatively to Neymar's introduction during the 3-0 victory over Scotland has sparked a wave of social media backlash.
As the Pep Guardiola versus Sir Alex Ferguson debate rages on, Peter Shilton has told GOAL how legendary Nottingham Forest boss Brian Clough compares to iconic managers of the modern era. One of the most charismatic coaches to ever grace a dugout would have relished the opportunity to lock tactical horns with the likes of Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti.
Real Madrid defender Eder Militao has hailed the tactical flexibility of Carlo Ancelotti as Brazil gear up for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup. Despite being sidelined through injury, the centre-back has closely monitored the Selecao’s progression and believes the veteran coach has successfully ironed out early frailties.
Carlo Ancelotti has hailed Neymar's enduring passion for the game, likening the veteran forward's enthusiasm to that of a young boy following his return to action at the 2026 World Cup. The Santos star made his long-awaited international comeback as a second-half substitute during Brazil's commanding 3-0 victory over Scotland in Miami.
Vinicius Jr has revealed he is expecting a special reward from Carlo Ancelotti after performing the "impossible" during Brazil's dominant victory over Scotland. The Real Madrid superstar was the standout performer as the Selecao secured top spot in Group C to march into the World Cup knockout rounds.
Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar is ready to play the full 90 minutes of the Selecao's final World Cup group game against Scotland. Neymar missed his country's opening fixtures against Morocco and Haiti due to a calf injury, but Ancelotti says that the Santos star is finally back to full fitness and eager to make his mark.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has refused to be drawn into a war of words with Carlo Ancelotti after the Brazil boss suggested his team "don't play high intensity football". Speaking ahead of his side’s World Cup group stage clash against Austria, Scaloni instead chose to frame the Italian's comments as a compliment to his tactical setup.
Brazil president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has poked fun at Neymar's injury-plagued start to the 2026 World Cup, jokingly labelling the forward the first player in history to "work from home". The Santos star has been a spectator for the early stages of the tournament in North America while recovering from a persistent calf problem.
Real Madrid wonderkid Endrick has addressed the growing speculation surrounding his relationship with Carlo Ancelotti after spending significant time on the bench during the start of the 2026 World Cup. Despite the noise on social media, the teenager has insisted there is total trust between himself and the Italian tactician following his debut in the tournament.
Carlo Ancelotti has insisted he will not rush Endrick into Brazil's starting line-up despite growing calls for the teenage forward to feature from the outset. The Selecao boss remains convinced of the striker's immense potential and believes patience is the best approach as Brazil seek a crucial result in Group C.
There was something all-too predictable about Brazil's performance in their World Cup opener against Morocco. Having been consistently inconsistent since Carlo Ancelotti was appointed a year ago, a disjointed display in New Jersey yielded only a point as the Selecao were forced to rely on a moment of magic from Vinicius Jr to snatch an equaliser. Looking ahead, the Italian tactician has plenty of food for thought.
Brazil legend Ronaldo has questioned Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical setup following the Selecao's underwhelming start to the World Cup campaign. The legendary striker pointed specifically to the misuse of Barcelona star Raphinha and technical errors fueled by "nerves" during the stalemate against Morocco.
Brazil are facing the prospect of navigating the entire World Cup group stage without Neymar as the medical staff prioritises his long-term fitness. The Selecao talisman is battling to recover from a significant muscle injury, with coaching staff now focusing on a return for the knockout rounds.
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