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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Amanda Langell

Brazil's World Cup Was Doomed the Moment Carlo Ancelotti Called Up Neymar

Cheers could be heard throughout the streets of Brazil when Carlo Ancelotti confirmed 34-year-old Neymar earned a place in his 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup. Less than one month later, the Seleção had already crashed out of the tournament.

Dreams of winning a record-extending sixth World Cup title this summer were never going to come to fruition. Brazil’s lackluster midfield and fullbacks already foretold the team’s fate before its World Cup campaign even kicked off.

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