The wait is almost over.
Neymar is finally set to make his long-awaited return to the World Cup stage after Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the superstar forward should be available for the Seleção’s
final Group C clash against Scotland.
Ancelotti confirms Neymar will play vs Scotland 👀🇧🇷#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/PiAOD54mxz
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 20, 2026
Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Haiti on Friday not only steadied their World Cup campaign but also brought encouraging news regarding the fitness of their biggest star.
Neymar has been sidelined since May 17 after suffering a calf strain while playing for Santos in Brazil’s top flight. The injury ruled him out of Brazil’s opening two matches of the tournament, including the 1-1 draw against Morocco and Friday’s win over Haiti.
However, there have been growing signs that the 34-year-old is nearing full fitness.
Earlier this week, Neymar provided supporters with a glimpse of hope when he appeared in full training gear and briefly joined his teammates on the pitch in Morristown, New Jersey. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star even shared a light-hearted exchange with reporters.
“Did you miss me?” Neymar joked while making his way through training.
The Brazilian icon took part in team exercises alongside Raphinha, Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Magalhaes and Fabinho before breaking away for individual work with the coaching staff.
Following the victory over Haiti, Ancelotti offered the clearest indication yet that Neymar’s comeback is imminent.
“Neymar will be training tomorrow individually and on Monday he’s going to be training with the rest of the team,” Ancelotti said during his post-match press conference.
“He will be available for the match against Scotland.”
It is a major boost for Brazil as they prepare for a decisive final group-stage fixture.
Despite being hampered by injuries during Brazil’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, Neymar remained influential whenever he featured. In just four appearances, he scored twice and provided three assists, underlining the quality he still brings to the national team.
