Brazil national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti shared his thoughts ahead of today’s World Cup 2026 playoff clash against Japan, which will kick off at 17:00 UTC.
“We will focus on the game and the qualities of our opponent. We are preparing thoroughly and will work hard on what needs to be done to avoid any problems. We won’t engage in psychological games or focus on that aspect,” Ancelotti stated.
When asked if Brazil has an easier path in the knockout stage, he disagreed. “I believe every match is tough, very tough. There are many factors to consider, and the pressure is immense. I still believe there is no clear favorite; some teams may have performed better than others, but I don’t see a definitive frontrunner. I expect this to be a very balanced World Cup.”
Regarding Neymar’s condition, Ancelotti noted, “Neymar has made great progress. I think he has improved significantly over the past week. It’s unfortunate he couldn’t train with us the entire time. He can play 15 minutes and deliver decent results. Everything depends on the context of tomorrow’s match and how the game unfolds.”
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