Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Neymar is unhappy with the limited role he has been handed at the FIFA World Cup 2026, though Ancelotti was quick to highlight the veteran forward's exemplary conduct within the squad.

Neymar has featured just once in the tournament so far — a 14-minute substitute appearance in Brazil's 3-0 group-stage victory over Scotland. Despite being one of football's most decorated attackers, the former Paris Saint-Germain star finds himself largely watching from the bench.

"He's not satisfied, but he's behaving very well. He's training very well. Neymar is very respectful, kind, and loved by his teammates," Ancelotti told Brazilian newspaper Folha de São Paulo in an interview published on Friday.

"He's an important figure in the team because he has quality and he's a very humble person. I'm very happy with him. And, obviously, he wants to play, like he always has."

Ancelotti ready to call on Neymar when needed

The Italian coach made clear that Neymar's experience remains a weapon in his tactical arsenal, even if his minutes have been scarce. Ancelotti stressed that the timing of his deployment would be dictated by the team's needs during matches.

"The important thing is that he can play. No one knows how long he will play. He has the experience to manage his minutes in the game and the tempo. When I see that the team needs him, I'll put him on," Ancelotti said.

Norway test awaits on July 5

Brazil's attention now turns to a Round of 16 encounter against Norway on July 5, 2026 — a match Ancelotti described as a stern examination of his side's quality.

"It's always difficult, but we are confident we will play a good game," the coach said. "They are a very well-organised team defensively and their coach is doing a very good job in that area."

Ancelotti also acknowledged that Brazil must be prepared for every eventuality, including conceding — though he expressed confidence in his squad's ability to respond. "We are prepared for anything that can happen. We may concede a goal, but we are prepared to react," he added.