Neymar named on bench for Brazil's World Cup Group C finale against Scotland

Neymar will start on the bench for Brazil’s World Cup Group C finale against Scotland on Wednesday at Miami Stadium, ending a wait that has stretched across the tournament’s opening two matches.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the 34-year-old forward is fit and available after he worked through a full training session with the squad on Sunday. “He is available. He trained very well this week,” Ancelotti said on Tuesday. “He is fit and able, ready to play. We are very happy that he is back. He is a high-quality player.”

Neymar was among the last players to step off Brazil’s bus on Wednesday afternoon, flashing a thumbs-up and waving to well-wishers before heading inside Miami Stadium toward the team’s locker room — a visible signal that his return is imminent.

The forward has been sidelined for more than a month with a right calf injury, the latest setback in a difficult stretch that began when he tore the ACL in his left knee during a World Cup qualifier in October 2023. Since returning from that surgery, Neymar has managed four goals in eight appearances for his Brazilian club Santos this season.

Despite the struggles, Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 129 international appearances. He has featured in each of the past three World Cups for the Seleção, contributing eight goals across those tournaments.

His place in this squad has been a source of debate among Brazil’s supporters, with questions over whether his current form justifies selection. A substitute appearance — or a start should circumstances change — against Scotland would give him the chance to begin answering those critics on the biggest stage.