Carlo Ancelotti confirms Neymar could return for Brazil against Scotland

Carlo Ancelotti confirms Neymar could return for Brazil against Scotland

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed Neymar could return to action for the final 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C match against Scotland after recovering from a calf injury.

Neymar missed Brazil's opening games after suffering the setback, with his last appearance coming for Santos on May 17. However, Ancelotti confirmed the forward was close to making his comeback ahead of Wednesday's clash in Miami.

"Neymar will be training tomorrow individually and on Monday he's going to be training with the rest of the team," Ancelotti said after Brazil's 3-0 victory over Haiti. "He will be available for the match against Scotland."

The 34-year-old played an important role during Brazil's World Cup qualifying campaign despite injury problems limiting his appearances. He scored two goals and provided three assists in four matches when available.

Ancelotti was also pleased with Matheus Cunha's performance against Haiti after the forward scored twice in the first half. Cunha had replaced Igor Thiago in the starting line-up after Brazil's opening 1-1 draw with Morocco, but the Italian coach refused to confirm whether he would keep his place up front against Scotland.

"He may," Ancelotti said when asked if Cunha would continue as Brazil's main striker.

"I think Matheus' position was a good position for creating problems for the defence. He filtered his passes very well, and his position was good to be effective in attack."

Brazil moved to the top of Group C with four points, ahead of Morocco on goal difference, while Scotland remained on three points after their 1-0 defeat to the Atlas Lions.

Despite Scotland's need for a result, Ancelotti insisted Brazil would focus on improving rather than eliminating their opponents.

"We don't think about knocking out Scotland. We think about playing well and improving, and we analyse the match," he said.

"If we can reach the first position of the group, that would be important for the future. We want to prepare well for that match."

Ancelotti also warned his players not to underestimate Scotland, praising their ability to cause problems against Morocco.

"Scotland has its features. It can create a problem. It created problems for Morocco today," he added. "We have to focus on the match, be calm and keep working to improve."

READ MORE: Matheus Cunha double fires Brazil to comfortable Haiti victory in FIFA World Cup