Carlo Ancelotti ready to count on Casemiro, Neymar and Antony for World Cup 2026 after leaving Real Madrid for Brazil job

It has been announced that the Italian tactician will be leaving his Champions League-winning role at Santiago Bernabeu when the 2024-25 campaign comes to a close - with the Blancos having three more La Liga fixtures to take in.

Ancelotti is expected to be officially presented as Brazil’s new boss on May 26. At that point, he will make his first Selecao selection for 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay in June.

The 65-year-old is already piecing together plans for his next job. According to Globo Esporte, Ancelotti has been in contact with prominent members of the Brazil squad while discussing the merits of others.

Neymar - who is Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer - has taken in an informal video call with Ancelotti, during which his recent injury issues were discussed. The 33-year-old, who is back at Santos, remains a key figure for his country.

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, who worked under Ancelotti at Real Madrid, is being lined up for his first international appearance since 2023. Another Red Devils star, Antony, is also in contention for a call-up after impressing during a loan spell at Real Betis.