Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti expects Neymar to return for Wednesday’s Group C meeting with Scotland after Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 and moved to the top of the standings on goal difference.
The Brazil coach delivered the update after Neymar missed the first two matches with a calf strain. The forward last played for Santos on 17 May and injuries disrupted much of his involvement during Brazil’s 2026 qualifying campaign.
“Neymar will be training tomorrow individually and on Monday he’s going to be training with the rest of the team,” Ancelotti said. “He will be available for the match against Scotland.”
Brazil sit on four points alongside Morocco after two matches. Scotland hold three points and enter the final group fixture under pressure after their 1-0 defeat against Morocco.
Ancelotti also left questions around his attack unanswered despite Matheus Cunha scoring twice against Haiti. Cunha started through the middle after replacing Igor Thiago during Brazil’s opening 1-1 draw with Morocco.
“He may,” Ancelotti said when asked if Cunha would keep his place at centre-forward.
“I think that Matheus’ position was a good position for creating problems for the defence. He filtered his passes very well, and his position was a good position to be effective at the front.
“It can be an option. We discussed this yesterday. I don’t want a clear identity. Maybe we will change this on the next match.”
Brazil switched their shape and movement against Haiti, with Cunha dropping into pockets and creating space for runners around him rather than operating as a fixed striker. The system gave Brazil more passing lanes and quicker combinations in central areas.
Ancelotti also refused to look beyond Scotland despite the possibility of securing top spot.
“We don’t think about knocking out Scotland. We think about playing well and improving.”
