Neymar Set for Comeback in Brazil's Final Group Match Against Scotland

Neymar's Recovery Progress

Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of Brazil, has announced that Neymar is on track to make his return for the Selecao's concluding Group C match against Scotland in the FIFA World Cup 2026. This marks a significant potential return to international play following a lengthy injury hiatus.

The 34-year-old forward has been recuperating from a calf strain and has not participated in a match since May 17, when he played for Santos in Brazil's domestic league. Ancelotti confirmed after Brazil's 3-0 win over Haiti that Neymar's recovery is proceeding as expected.

"Neymar will train individually tomorrow and join the team for practice on Monday," Ancelotti stated during the post-match press conference. "He will be ready for the match against Scotland."

Should he be selected, this match would be Neymar's first for Brazil since October 17, 2023, when he sustained a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. This injury kept him out of action for a considerable time, although he was later included in Brazil's squad for the 2026 World Cup.

This tournament in North America marks Neymar's fourth World Cup appearance, having previously played in the 2014 tournament in Brazil, the 2018 edition in Russia, and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Injuries limited Neymar's participation during Brazil's qualifying matches, but he made a significant impact when fit, scoring two goals and providing three assists in four games.

Brazil's Performance in Group C

Brazil currently leads Group C with four points, having drawn 1-1 with Morocco in their opening match and then defeating Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia. This victory also eliminated Haiti from advancing to the Round of 32.

Cunha's Impact on the Team

Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with striker Matheus Cunha's performance, who netted two goals against Haiti after being given a starting position instead of Igor Thiago. Cunha had previously impressed as a substitute in Brazil's first match against Morocco and showcased his skills with a strong performance.

"He may continue in the center-forward role," the Italian coach remarked when asked about Cunha's position. "Matheus' positioning was effective in creating challenges for the defense. He executed his passes well, making him a valuable asset up front. This could be an option moving forward. We discussed this yesterday, and I prefer not to have a fixed identity. We might adjust this for the next match," he added.

Looking Ahead to the Scotland Match

Brazil is currently ahead of Morocco on goal difference as they approach the final round of Group C matches. Scotland, with three points from two games, is still in the race for qualification and may face a must-win scenario against the five-time world champions in Miami.

Despite the high stakes, Ancelotti emphasized that his priority is on enhancing Brazil's performance rather than focusing solely on eliminating their opponents.

"We are not concerned with knocking out Scotland. Our focus is on playing well and improving our game. We will analyze the match thoroughly," Ancelotti stated. "Securing the top position in the group is crucial for our future, so we aim to prepare effectively for this match.

"Scotland has its strengths and can pose challenges, as they did against Morocco today. Therefore, we must concentrate on the match, remain calm, and continue to work on our improvement," Ancelotti concluded.

Match Details

Brazil is set to face Scotland in their final group-stage encounter at the Miami Stadium on Wednesday.