Ancelotti Confirms Neymar Available for Brazil vs Scotland as Seleção Top Group C

Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Friday that Neymar is set to return to full team training and will be in contention for Brazil’s final Group C fixture against Scotland, following the Seleção’s 3-0 victory over Haiti.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, the Brazil head coach provided a clear timeline for the 34-year-old’s return: “Neymar will be training tomorrow individually, and on Monday he’s going to be training with the rest of the team. He will be available for the match against Scotland.”

The update ends a prolonged period of uncertainty surrounding the veteran forward, who has been managing a calf strain that had threatened to end his 2026 World Cup campaign before it began. Neymar has not featured in any of Brazil’s group stage matches to date, with the injury restricting his involvement throughout preparations.

Despite his absence from the tournament so far, Neymar’s importance to the Brazilian setup was underlined during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Across just four appearances, the forward contributed two goals and three assists — a return that highlighted his continued influence despite limited game time due to persistent injury concerns.

Brazil currently sit at the top of Group C with four points, level on points with Morocco but ahead on goal difference. The decisive group stage encounter against Scotland is scheduled for Wednesday in Miami. A positive result would secure top spot for the five-time world champions.

Matheus Cunha was among the standout performers against Haiti, netting two goals in the first half to help Brazil to a comfortable victory. However, Ancelotti declined to guarantee the striker a place in the starting eleven for the Scotland clash, indicating that his selection approach remains flexible based on the opposition. The Italian coach has consistently emphasised a fluid tactical identity rather than a fixed system throughout his tenure with the national side.

Scotland arrive at the fixture in a precarious position and will need a result to keep their own knockout stage ambitions alive, adding further significance to what promises to be a high-stakes group finale. For Brazil, the return of Neymar — even as a squad option — represents a considerable reinforcement ahead of the knockout rounds.

Neymar’s involvement at the 2026 World Cup has been one of the most closely monitored stories of the tournament. Now in the latter stages of his international career, this edition of the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico may represent his final opportunity to add a first FIFA World Cup winners’ medal to his legacy.