Carlo Ancelotti has revealed Neymar could return from injury for Brazil’s final Group C match against Scotland as the Selecao chase top spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has suggested that Neymar could make his long-awaited return to action in Brazil’s final Group C match against Scotland after continuing his recovery from a calf injury.
The update came after Brazil’s impressive 3-0 victory over Haiti on Friday, a result that moved the five-time world champions to the top of the group on goal difference.
Three goals and three points for Brazil! 👏#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 20, 2026
With qualification still not mathematically secured, attention has already shifted to Wednesday’s crucial encounter in Miami.
Neymar has not featured since suffering a calf strain while playing for Santos on May 17. The injury disrupted his preparations for the tournament and limited his involvement during a period when Brazil were hoping to build momentum ahead of the World Cup.
Speaking after the win over Haiti, Ancelotti revealed that the veteran forward is close to returning to full training. According to the Italian coach, Neymar will continue individual work before rejoining the rest of the squad early next week.
“Neymar will be training tomorrow individually and on Monday he’s going to be training with the rest of the team,” Ancelotti said. “He will be available for the match against Scotland.”
Despite his injury setbacks during Brazil’s qualification campaign, Neymar remained a key figure whenever he was fit enough to play. The 34-year-old contributed two goals and three assists in just four appearances, underlining his continued importance to the national team.
Ancelotti also addressed the performance of Matheus Cunha, who seized his opportunity against Haiti with a first-half brace.
🚨💣 OFFICIAL: Neymar Jr will be called up for Brazil next game against Scotland. 🇧🇷
“Neymar will train individually tomorrow, then Sunday back training with the team and then called up against Scotland”, announces Carlo Ancelotti after Brazil win against Haiti. pic.twitter.com/F4cvWUDmrV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 20, 2026
The forward started in place of Igor Thiago and impressed with his movement and link-up play, though the Brazil manager stopped short of confirming whether he would retain his place in the starting lineup. Instead, Ancelotti hinted that tactical flexibility would remain a key part of Brazil’s approach.
Brazil currently lead Group C with four points, level with Morocco but ahead on goal difference after the Atlas Lions defeated Scotland 1-0.
While Scotland could be fighting for their tournament survival when the teams meet next week, Ancelotti insisted his focus remains on Brazil’s own performance.
The former Real Madrid manager stressed the importance of finishing top of the group and warned that Scotland had already shown against Morocco that they possess enough quality to cause problems if Brazil fail to approach the game with the right mentality.
