Neymar is available for Brazil’s third World Cup group match against Scotland, but coach Carlo Ancelotti refused to say whether he would play a role in the Miami Stadium match.
The 34-year-old forward was recalled by the Italian for the World Cup after almost three years away from the national team, but is yet to feature in the tournament due to a calf injury.
“Neymar is available,” Ancelotti told reporters on Tuesday. «He has been working this week and can be available for the match. We are very happy that he is back because obviously he can help the team with his quality.»
«I got to know him really well. He worked very seriously and tried to recover as quickly as possible.»
«I am very happy with him. Even though he is not playing, he brings experience, he brings knowledge of the game, he helps the younger players. He is doing very well.»
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When asked how much of the match Neymar could play, Ancelotti joked: «He can run 90 minutes – no, he’s doing well; he worked very well, he trained very well.»
Brazil, who drew 1-1 with Morocco and beat Haiti 3-0 in their first two Group C games, will reach the Round of 32 with a win over the Scots and Ancelotti said he felt a decent performance was in store.
“It is clear that we have a very strong commitment by representing this shirt at the World Cup,” he said.
“I think the first game wasn’t the best, the second game was better, and we’re confident the third game will be the best.”
RAPHINHA REPLACEMENT NEEDED
Ancelotti must also find a replacement for Raphinha, who has been sidelined with a hamstring problem but again declined to share who would take the winger’s place in the starting line-up.
Scotland, with a win and a loss, will most likely be in contention to be one of the eight teams to progress to the next round from third place in their group, but Ancelotti expected a tough match.
“Scotland has quality,” the 67-year-old added. “They are fighters, they are very well organised.
“(Scott) McTominay and (John) McGinn are experienced players who are used to these types of games.
«So it will be a difficult match as usual. I think the easy matches at the World Cup ended a long time ago. So we are ready to play a difficult match.»
Brazil’s flight to Miami from their New Jersey base was postponed on Tuesday, delaying Ancelotti’s press conference, but the Italian said he would not let it spoil his enjoyment of his first World Cup as a coach.
«Before today everything was perfect. Today we had a little problem, but that can happen,» he said.
«I think we have the quality and the confidence to make this a good World Cup for us. In football anything can happen, but it will be a very nice experience anyway, even if I have to hold a press conference at nine o’clock in the evening.»
Published on June 24, 2026
