PHILADELPHIA: Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Neymar is on course to return for the Seleção’s final Group C match against Scotland after missing the opening two fixtures of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The 34-year-old forward has been sidelined since suffering a calf injury in mid-May and was unavailable for Brazil’s draw against Morocco and Friday’s 3-0 victory over Haiti.
However, following the comfortable win in Philadelphia, Ancelotti delivered encouraging news regarding the fitness of the Santos star, indicating that his long-awaited comeback could come in the final group-stage encounter.
“Neymar will train individually tomorrow, then rejoin the group on Monday, and he will be ready for the game against Scotland,” Ancelotti told reporters.
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Neymar has not featured for Brazil since October 2023 and has spent recent weeks working his way back from the injury that disrupted his preparations for the tournament.
Brazil responded strongly against Haiti after beginning their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco.
A brace from Matheus Cunha and a third goal from Vinicius Junior secured a convincing victory that moved the five-time world champions to the top of Group C.
Brazil and Morocco are both on four points, but Ancelotti’s side lead the standings on goal difference and are now in a strong position to qualify for the last 32.
The Italian manager was pleased with the overall display and felt his team had shown noticeable improvement compared to the opening game.
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“It was a complete match, much better in the first half. In the second half, we had more control, but we created plenty of chances and could have scored more goals,” Ancelotti said.
“It was what we expected from this game: better quality, fewer mistakes, more effectiveness in attack and more control at the back.”
He added that there was still room for improvement as Brazil prepare for the knockout rounds.
“In terms of intensity it was a good match. Obviously we still have to improve, and we will improve to be ready for the knockout stage,” he added.
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