Ancelotti confirms Neymar fit for 90 minutes ahead of Brazil's World Cup clash with Norway

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar is physically capable of playing a full 90 minutes for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, clearing the path for the 34-year-old to start Sunday’s round-of-16 match against Norway at New York/New Jersey Stadium.

Neymar has been a peripheral figure in the tournament so far, managing only a 14-minute substitute appearance in Brazil’s group-stage win over Scotland after battling a troublesome right calf injury. Ancelotti had also kept him unused on the bench against Japan, reportedly preserving him for a potential extra-time period. Those fitness concerns have now been officially put to rest.

Speaking to Folha de S. Paulo, Ancelotti was candid about both Neymar’s readiness and his frustration at being restricted to a backup role. “The important thing is that he is available to play,” the Italian said. “He has the experience to manage his minutes and the tempo of the game. When I feel the team needs him, I will put him on.”

Asked directly whether Neymar could last a full match, Ancelotti was unequivocal: “Yes. He can play 90 minutes.”

The Brazil manager also addressed the psychological toll of benching a player of Neymar’s stature, offering praise for how the forward has handled the situation. “He is not happy, but he is behaving very well. He is training very well. Neymar is highly respectful, amiable, and loved by his teammates. He is an important character in the squad because he possesses immense quality and is a very humble person.”

On whether Neymar had pushed for a starting berth, Ancelotti acknowledged the desire without confirming any direct request. “He doesn’t directly say ‘I want to play,’ but that desire is quite clear. And it’s a positive thing. A player cannot be happy sitting on the bench.”

Brazil arrive at the knockout stage on a seven-match unbeaten run, with Vinícius Júnior carrying much of the attacking burden through the group phase. Norway, led by Erling Haaland, represent a stern physical test, and how Ancelotti deploys Neymar’s creativity against their aerial threat is likely to shape the outcome of the tie.