Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar will be available for selection when Brazil take on Scotland in a pivotal World Cup 2026 Group C encounter on Wednesday. The Selecao's all-time leading scorer has missed the first two matches of the tournament due to a calf injury but is now fit to feature.
Brazil's Campaign So Far
Brazil opened their World Cup campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco, where the Atlas Lions dominated large spells. They then secured a 3-0 victory over Group C minnows Haiti, though the performance was not entirely convincing. That result left Brazil second in the group, needing a win against Scotland to guarantee top spot and a potentially easier path in the knockout stages.
Team News and Predicted Lineup
Ancelotti made several changes for the Haiti match, including replacing Casemiro with Fabinho in midfield and introducing Matheus Cunha from the bench. Cunha started against Haiti and scored twice, making him a near-certain starter against Scotland. However, Barcelona winger Raphinha has been ruled out after picking up a hamstring injury in the Haiti game.
Neymar is expected to fill the void on the right wing, though the left-footed 19-year-old Rayan is a more natural fit for that role. Vinicius Junior, who has scored in both matches so far, is a guaranteed starter on the left. The midfield trio of Lucas Paqueta, Bruno Guimaraes, and Casemiro appears settled, despite Casemiro's shaky first half against Morocco. Danilo started at right-back against Haiti, replacing Roger Ibanez, while Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes continue as the first-choice centre-back pairing. Douglas Santos provides solidity on the left flank, and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson remains the undisputed No. 1.
Predicted Brazil XI: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro, Paqueta; Rayan, Cunha, Vinicius Jr.
Scotland's Challenge and Match Details
Scotland will be aiming to cause an upset and keep their own qualification hopes alive. The match takes place at Miami Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, with a kick-off time of 11pm BST. It will be broadcast live on BBC One.
Brazil's attacking depth beyond the starting XI is limited, with 19-year-old striker Endrick and Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli among the options on the bench. Ancelotti will rely on his experienced core to secure the result needed to top the group.
