Neymar not training as Ancelotti settles on Brazil's opener XI

Ancelotti's plan takes shape, Neymar still not training

Brazil held their final training session ahead of Saturday's World Cup opener against Morocco, but Neymar was not involved. The squad took part in an open session and the story from the camp is that Neymar is still working his way back to full fitness. "I feel like a kid," Neymar told the media, with the 34-year-old visibly excited but not yet ready to join full training (1).

Carlo Ancelotti has a settled group and the likely XI is emerging. That lineup points to Ibañez and Marquinhos in central defense, Léo Pereira and Douglas Santos at full-back, Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, and Éderson in midfield, with Matheus Cunha, Gabriel Martinelli, and Luiz Henrique leading the attack (1). Alex Sandro, Vini Jr., Raphinha, Lucas Paquetá, and Igor Thiago are available from the bench. Big names, big options, and the clear message is that Neymar will not be rushed.

Endrick named as a potential breakout star

CBS Sports has highlighted Brazil teenager Endrick as one of the players who could use this World Cup to announce himself on the global stage (2). The 19-year-old forward arrives at the tournament with a growing reputation and, in a squad stacked with established talent, he could be the wildcard who changes a game from the bench.

Fan reactions

Brazilian fans are getting match-ready in their own way. One supporter has put together a full pronunciation guide for every player in the Seleção's World Cup squad, a small detail that speaks to the global nature of this fanbase. Elsewhere, a discussion about the greatest World Cup teams has brought Brazil's 2002 side back into focus. That team won all seven matches, no draws, no defeats, and the argument being made is simple: winning every game should carry more weight in these debates.