MIAMI: Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has named Neymar among the substitutes for Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C clash against Scotland, with the veteran forward set to make his long-awaited return after recovering from a calf injury.
The five-time world champions have made just one change to the side that defeated Haiti 3-0 in their previous outing, with teenage forward Rayan replacing the injured Raphinha in the starting lineup.
Raphinha was forced off during the first half against Haiti after suffering an injury, prompting Ancelotti to hand Rayan a starting role alongside Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha in Brazil’s attacking trio.
The 19-year-old impressed after coming off the bench in Brazil’s last match and now gets the opportunity to start in a crucial fixture as the South Americans look to secure top spot in Group C.
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Neymar, meanwhile, has been included in the matchday squad after missing Brazil’s opening two matches of the tournament.
The 34-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a calf injury more than a month ago and will begin on the bench despite recently returning to full training.
Brazil enter the contest in strong form after bouncing back from a 1-1 draw against Morocco with a convincing victory over Haiti. Matheus Cunha starred in that match with a brace, while Vinicius Junior also found the net.
Scotland, on the other hand, have made four changes to their starting XI as they seek a result that could boost their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.
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Lawrence Shankland, Ben Gannon-Doak, Scott McKenna and Kenny McLean have all been drafted into the lineup, replacing Grant Hanley, Kieran Tierney, Ryan Christie and Che Adams.
The Scots began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Haiti before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Morocco, with Ismael Saibari’s early strike proving decisive.
Brazil currently sit at the top of Group C on goal difference, level on points with Morocco, and need a positive result to strengthen their chances of advancing as group winners.
Brazil Starting XI: Alisson, Danilo, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos, Douglas Santos, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta, Rayan, Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha.
Scotland Starting XI: Angus Gunn, Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Jack Hendry, Ben Gannon-Doak, Lewis Ferguson, Lawrence Shankland, Nathan Patterson, Kenny McLean, Scott McKenna.
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