FIFA World Cup 2026: Ancelotti tells Brazil to stay calm after Neymar returns and Vinicius shines

Carlo Ancelotti told Brazil fans to keep their feet on the ground after Neymar made his long-awaited return to the World Cup and Vinicius Jr shone again as the five-time champions brushed aside Scotland 3-0 to finish top of Group C on Wednesday.

After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco in the opening match, Brazil have kicked into gear with back-to-back wins, and Ancelotti said his side are becoming the solid, collective unit he wants for the knockout rounds.

«We are now playing as a team, that was the goal,» Ancelotti told a news conference. “We are not perfect, we need to improve a few things – we could be faster when we have the ball.

«I’m happy because the team has improved since the opening match. Being solid is very important now that we have reached the knockout stages.»

Brazil will face the second-placed team from Group F, with the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden possible opponents in the Round of 32.

The biggest roar in Miami came for Neymar, who played his first minutes for Brazil after almost three years out of the team. Ancelotti said the 34-year-old had earned his chance after returning to full fitness.

“He got the chance to play because he deserved it, he worked hard to recover,” Ancelotti said. «I think in this World Cup, given his qualities, he can help the team. He only played a few minutes, but he played well.»

«Neymar doesn’t need any motivation to play, no player needs any motivation to wear the Brazil shirt. He’s 34 years old and he still has the same passion as a young boy.»

Vinicius also earned praise from the Italian after scoring twice and shining up and down the left wing.

“Vini is in great form at the moment and the team is helping him a lot,” said Ancelotti. “He can play in different positions, both on the inside and on the wing.

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«It is very rewarding to see Vinicius like this. I had no doubt that he could reach this level. I was not the one who discovered Vini, he is a top class player, one of the best in the world.»

Ancelotti said Brazil had achieved their first goal by topping the group but warned against getting carried away.

“I haven’t set a target yet for how far we can go,” he said. «The goal is not just to play well, the goal is to win. A manager is judged on victory or defeat, not on whether the team plays well or poorly.»

Asked what he would tell an increasingly enthusiastic Brazilian crowd, Ancelotti smiled and said: “Keep calm.”

Published on June 25, 2026