According to The Athletic, Ancelotti confirmed that Neymar, Casemiro, and Danilo will no longer play for the national team after Brazil's exit from the World Cup this summer.

Brazil lost 1-2 to Norway in the Round of 16, their earliest World Cup exit since 1990, when they lost to Argentina at the same knockout stage.

More than three weeks after the World Cup concluded, the Italian coach stated that this tournament would mark a generational change for the Brazilian national team.

Ancelotti told Brazilian media outlet Globo: "I think this World Cup brought an end to a very important generation of players. Starting with Neymar, and also Danilo and Casemiro, all those players who were over 30 at the time of the World Cup."

Ancelotti said: "We will look at new players who can join. I won't specifically say for the 2030 World Cup, but they can already be competitive for our primary goal, which is the 2028 Copa América."

Casemiro, 34, and Danilo, 35, played in every match for Brazil in this World Cup, reaching 91 and 75 caps respectively. Neymar made his first national team appearance since October 2023 in the final group stage match, after recovering from a calf injury.

Despite controversy over Neymar's physical and competitive condition, Ancelotti still selected the former Barça winger for the World Cup squad. Neymar had only played 15 times for Santos this year before the World Cup. After Brazil's exit, Neymar stated that his story with Brazil was "over," reiterating this again on Tuesday local time.

According to ESPN, Neymar said after coming on as a substitute in Santos' 4-2 victory over Universidad Central de Venezuela: "I think my time in the national team has passed. I made history there, and I'm very happy about that."

Neymar stated: "I experienced a lot there, gave my blood and life, and always fought and struggled for the yellow jersey. But I feel like I don't want to continue anymore."

Looking ahead, Ancelotti added that he would retain some veteran players, but the squad would undergo significant changes.

Ancelotti added: "I wouldn't say I'm going to change all 26 players. We will keep some important players who can continue to be part of our work, like Marquinhos, I can use him as an example."

Ancelotti said: "I think it's important for players like him to stay, as it shows the continuity of our work. But the overall idea is to change and start a new generation."

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