Brazil manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has confirmed that Neymar will be available for the Selecao’s final Group C match against Scotland at the ongoing tournament.
The Santos attacking midfielder has missed Brazil’s opening two fixtures due to a calf injury, but the manager says he is set to rejoin full training early next week and could feature in the final group game.
Neymar was initially named on the bench for Brazil’s first group match against Morocco, though he did not get any minutes on the pitch.
Ahead of their second game on Friday, the Selecao confirmed that the 34-year-old remained in New Jersey to continue recovery from a grade two calf strain that was expected to sideline him for two to three weeks.
However, Ancelotti has now expressed optimism about his recovery timeline and believes he will be fit in time for the decisive fixture.
“Neymar will be training tomorrow individually, and on Monday with the rest of the team. He will be available for the match against Scotland,” he said following the Selecao’s 3-0 win over Haiti.
His return could prove timely for Brazil, especially after concern over the fitness of winger Raphinha, who picked up a suspected hamstring injury during the first half of the 3-0 victory over Haiti.
Ancelotti admitted uncertainty over the severity of the setback, adding that the player would undergo further assessments to determine his availability.
Raphinha had also struggled with a hamstring issue that kept him out during the latter stages of the 2025–26 season.
Despite those worries, Brazil remain buoyed by their latest result. They opened Group C with a 1-1 draw against Morocco before responding strongly with a convincing win on Friday night, scoring three first-half goals before easing through the remainder of the match.
Neymar’s anticipated return is now seen as a major boost as Brazil continue their push toward qualification in North America.
