World Cup: Neymar available but not certain to play against Scotland, Ancelotti says
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti refused to reveal whether Neymar would start against Scotland in their final World Cup Group C match, despite confirming the striker is available for selection after recovering from a calf injury.
Neymar has returned to Brazil’s World Cup squad after almost three years out of the national team, he has yet to appear in the tournament. The 34-year-old missed Brazil’s opening two matches, the 1-1 draw against Morocco and the 3-0 win over Haiti, as he continued his recovery.
“Neymar is available,” Ancelotti told reporters on Tuesday. “He worked this week and he can be available for the game. We are very happy that he is back because of course he can help the team with his quality.”
The Italian praised Neymar’s attitude during his rehabilitation and highlighted the influence he continues to exert on the team despite not playing.
“I got to know him really well. He worked very seriously and tried to recover as quickly as possible,” Ancelotti said.
“I’m very happy with him. Even when he’s not playing, he brings experience, he brings knowledge of the game, he helps the younger players. He’s doing very well.”
Asked how many minutes Neymar could manage if selected, Ancelotti first joked before offering a more measured assessment.
“He can play 90 minutes – walking,” he said with a smile. “No, he’s fine, he’s been working very well, he’s been training very well.
Brazil can book a place in the round of 32 with victory over Scotland in Miami and Ancelotti believes his side are improving with each outing.
“Obviously we have a big commitment to represent this shirt at the World Cup,” he said.
“I think the first game was not the best, the second game was better and we believe that the third game will be the best.”
Ancelotti has to cope even without Raphinha, who was ruled out by a hamstring injury. However, the former Real Madrid manager refused to reveal who will replace the winger in the starting line-up.
Scotland go into the competition with one win and one loss and will remain firmly in the hunt for a place in the knockout rounds, either through the top two positions or as one of the best teams in third place. Ancelotti expects a stern examination from Steve Clarke.
“Scotland has quality,” he said. “They are fighters, they are very well organized.
“(Scott) McTominay and (John) McGinn are experienced players who are used to this kind of game.
“So it’s going to be a tough game, as usual. I think the easy games in the World Cup are over a long time ago. So we’re ready to play a tough game.”
Brazil’s preparations were slightly disrupted after their flight from New Jersey to Miami was delayed, forcing the postponement of Ancelotti’s pre-match press conference. But the seasoned coach brushed off the inconvenience.
“Before today everything was perfect. Today we had a little problem but that can happen,” Ancelotti said.
“I think we have the quality and the confidence to make it a good World Cup for us. Anything can happen in football, but in any case it will be a very beautiful experience – even if I have to do a press conference at nine o’clock at night.”
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
24 Jun 2026 08:55 IST