Carlo Ancelotti's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign for Brazil ended in disappointment, with the coach's decision to bring on a returning Neymar against Norway in the second half proving to be a critical misstep. Despite Brazil maintaining a balanced approach and seeking opportunities on the counter-attack up to that point, the introduction of a visibly diminished 34-year-old Neymar disrupted the team's structure.

Neymar's limited mobility forced him into a central role, pushing Vinícius Júnior and Endrick wide and compromising Brazil's defensive shape. This tactical imbalance allowed Norway to find attacking opportunities, ultimately leading to a 2-1 defeat and elimination. The loss highlighted Brazil's reliance on individual brilliance, which this time came from the opposition in the form of Erling Haaland.

Ancelotti's gamble on Neymar, despite the player's significant injury history and a lack of recent match fitness, appears to have been influenced by external pressures and a desire to accommodate the player's legacy. The coach's decision to break his own rules regarding player fitness and performance ultimately cost Brazil in a tournament where tactical balance was paramount.