Neymar Set for Brazil Return Against Scotland, Ancelotti Confirms

In a major boost to their World Cup 2026 campaign, Brazil icon Neymar is set to make his tournament return for the final Group C clash against Scotland. The positive update was confirmed by Seleção head coach Carlo Ancelotti following Brazil's dominant 3-0 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia.

The 34-year-old forward was named on the bench during the opening match against Morocco but did not feature. He subsequently remained at the team’s rehabilitation base in New Jersey to continue recovery from a grade two calf strain, sitting out the second group fixture. The injury, initially expected to sideline him for two to three weeks, appears to be healing right on schedule.

Speaking to the press after the Haiti match, Ancelotti laid out a clear road map for the talismanic forward's re-integration into the first-team squad ahead of the decisive match in Miami.

"Neymar will be training tomorrow individually, and on Monday with the rest of the team. He will be available for the match against Scotland." — Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach, Brazil National Football Team

Neymar’s return to full fitness comes at an ideal moment for the five-time world champions, who currently sit at the top of Group C on goal difference, tied on 4 points with Morocco.

While the news regarding Neymar brought relief to the camp, Brazil's attacking unit suffered a parallel blow. Star winger Raphinha was forced off during the first half against Haiti with a suspected hamstring injury.

Ancelotti admitted to reporters that the technical staff is waiting on further medical diagnostic evaluations to determine the severity of the knock. The injury is particularly concerning given that Raphinha spent the final stretch of the 2025-26 club season sidelined with a similar hamstring strain.

The Seleção will face Scotland on June 24 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where a win or draw will mathematically seal their passage into the newly formatted World Cup Round of 32.