Neymar cleared for Brazil's FIFA WC 2026 Group C decider vs Scotland
Synopsis
Carlo Ancelotti has cleared Neymar for Brazil's Group C decider against Scotland — but the subplot is just as significant: Raphinha limped off against Haiti with a suspected hamstring injury, and his availability is uncertain. With qualification not yet sealed, Brazil may need their most experienced attacker at full stretch in Miami Gardens on Wednesday.
Key Takeaways
Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Neymar will be available for Brazil's Group C clash against Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 .
Neymar has been sidelined since a grade-two calf strain sustained on 17 May while playing for Santos .
He missed both prior group matches — a 1-1 draw vs Morocco and a 3-0 win vs Haiti in Philadelphia .
Winger Raphinha left the Haiti match with a suspected hamstring injury; severity is yet to be confirmed.
Matheus Cunha (2 goals) and Vinicius Junior (1 goal) powered the Haiti win.
Neymar has scored 79 goals in 129 international appearances and is reportedly in his final World Cup.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar will be fit for the Seleção's decisive Group C fixture against Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026, handing the five-time world champions a significant attacking reinforcement as they push for a place in the knockout rounds.
Neymar's Road Back
The 34-year-old forward has been sidelined since injuring his right calf while playing for Santos on 17 May. He missed Brazil's opening 1-1 draw against Morocco and was absent again for Saturday's 3-0 win over Haiti in Philadelphia, remaining in New Jersey to follow an individual rehabilitation programme after being diagnosed with a grade-two calf strain — an injury initially expected to keep him out for up to three weeks.
Ancelotti, speaking after the Haiti victory, confirmed the veteran's imminent return. 'Neymar will be training tomorrow alone, and on Monday with the team. He will be available for the match against Scotland,' the coach said. Neymar had been named among the substitutes for the Morocco opener but did not feature, and has not participated in a full squad session since joining the World Cup camp.
Raphinha's Fitness Cloud
Neymar's comeback is all the more critical given that winger Raphinha was forced off during the first half against Haiti with a suspected hamstring injury. The Barcelona forward faces further medical assessment, with Ancelotti acknowledging uncertainty over the severity. 'We need to evaluate him. We don't know the severity yet,' he said. Should Raphinha miss the Scotland match, Brazil's attacking options narrow sharply, elevating Neymar's role from morale boost to outright necessity.
Brazil's Group C Standing
The 3-0 defeat of Haiti — courtesy of two goals from Matheus Cunha and one from Vinicius Junior — steadied Brazil after early criticism following the Morocco stalemate. The result improved the Seleção's position in Group C, but qualification is not yet secured, making the Scotland fixture on Wednesday in Miami Gardens a must-not-lose assignment.
What Neymar's Return Means
Brazil's all-time leading scorer has recorded 79 goals in 129 international appearances, and this tournament is widely regarded as his fourth and likely final World Cup. His presence offers not only technical quality but also the kind of psychological weight that reshapes opposition defensive planning. With qualification still in the balance and questions lingering over Raphinha's fitness, Neymar's availability could prove to be the decisive variable in Brazil's campaign.
Point of View
But the Raphinha subplot deserves equal attention. Brazil built their attacking structure around two wide threats — lose both and Vinicius Junior carries an unsustainable burden against a Scotland side that will sit deep and press high. Neymar at less than full fitness against a disciplined European defensive unit is a gamble, not a guarantee. The more pressing question is whether Ancelotti has a Plan B that does not rely on a 34-year-old returning from a grade-two calf strain to rescue Brazil's tournament.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Neymar playing in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Yes, Neymar has been confirmed available for Brazil's Group C match against Scotland on Wednesday. He had been sidelined since 17 May with a grade-two calf strain sustained while playing for Santos.
Why did Neymar miss Brazil's first two World Cup matches?
Neymar missed both matches due to a grade-two calf strain in his right leg, an injury he picked up on 17 May while playing for Santos. He was named as a substitute against Morocco but did not feature, and remained in New Jersey for individual rehabilitation during the Haiti match.
What happened to Raphinha in Brazil's match against Haiti?
Raphinha was forced off in the first half of Brazil's 3-0 win over Haiti with a suspected hamstring injury. Coach Carlo Ancelotti said the severity was not yet known and that further medical assessment was required.
How did Brazil perform in their first two Group C matches?
Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco in their opener and then defeated Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia, with Matheus Cunha scoring twice and Vinicius Junior adding a third. Qualification from Group C is not yet confirmed.
What is Neymar's international record?
Neymar is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 129 international appearances. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is widely considered to be his fourth and likely final World Cup tournament.
