Neymar is back, just not from the opening whistle. Brazil has revealed its starting lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Japan, and the country’s most famous attacker will begin the match watching from the sideline.
The decision by manager Carlo Ancelotti to keep Neymar on the bench for the knockout stage encounter in Houston on June 29 is less about doubt and more about dosage. After missing 981 days of international football due to injury, Neymar’s body is being managed carefully and deliberately.
The lineup and the logic behind it
Brazil is set to deploy a 4-3-3 formation, with Alisson between the posts. The backline features Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, and Douglas Santos.
Up front, Vinícius Júnior and the emerging talent Rayan are expected to carry the attacking burden from kickoff.
