Brazil survived a major setback to book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, defeating Japan 2-1 in a thrilling Round of 32 clash at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, June 29. Despite the win, one notable absentee from the show was Neymar Jr. The Brazilian striker remained on the bench for the rest of the tournament, prompting questions as to why head coach Carlo Ancelotti chose not to feature him.Explaining his decision after the game, Ancelotti revealed that he had planned to use Neymar only if the game went to extra time.“I spoke to Ney (Neymar). If we don’t draw, he will come in 60 minutes. Since we filmed, I saved him 30 extra minutes,” Ancelotti told the broadcaster.With Brazil finding the winner in stoppage time, extra time was not required, meaning Neymar remained an unused substitute despite being fit enough to feature. Ancelotti later confirmed that the former player was part of his contingency plans but was not essential.Brazil will now turn to the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of the match between Norway and Ivory Coast at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 3.Coming into the game, Gabriel Martinelli scored a stunning 95th-minute winner as Brazil staged a thrilling second-half comeback to beat Japan 2-1, while Japan stunned the world five times in the first half when Kaishu Sano grabbed a set piece inside. Sano began a solo run 40 yards before dangerously drilling past Alisson to make it 1-0.Ancelotti also praised Japan for pushing Brazil throughout the tournament and said his team needed to improve even as they progressed.“Japan made us suffer for ninety-five minutes. They should have been respected, not exaggerated celebrations. Brazil is over, but we know we have to change. Tonight we celebrate the qualifications, but tomorrow we go back to work because the World Cup is only going to be difficult from here on,” he said.
