Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar is fit and available for selection in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 against Norway, raising hopes of a bigger role for the veteran player in the knockout stages.The five-time champions booked their place in the last 16 with an impressive 2-1 win over Japan in the Round of 32, thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s winner. However, Neymar did not take part in the tournament as he continued his recovery from a right calf injury.
Ancelotti confirms that Neymar can play the whole game
Neymar’s World Cup campaign so far has been hampered by fitness concerns. The 34-year-old made only a brief appearance at the tournament, coming off the bench for 14 minutes as Brazil beat Scotland.Speaking to Folha de S.Paulo, as reported by Goal.com, Ancelotti said the Brazilian star is now ready to contribute whenever needed.“The important thing is that he is there to play. How long he will play, no one knows. He has the knowledge to manage his minutes and the tempo of the game. If I hear that the team needs him, I will put him on the field,” said Ancelotti.When asked if Neymar could play the whole game, the Brazilian coach gave a straightforward answer.“Yes. He can play 90 minutes.”
‘An important character in the squad’
Ancelotti also praised Neymar’s influence within the dressing room, highlighting his footballing style and leadership around the team.“He is doing very well. Neymar is very respected, loved and loved by his teammates. He is a very important character in this group because he has a great character and is a very humble person. I am very happy with him. Obviously, he wants to play, as he always does,” he said.The experienced manager also added that while Neymar has not publicly sought a starting spot, his desire to return is clear.“He doesn’t say directly, ‘I want to play,’ but that desire is clear. And that’s a good thing. A player can’t be happy sitting on the bench,” Ancelotti added.
Brazil are looking for their first World Cup win against Norway
Brazil will face Norway in the Round of 16 at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. The South American giants enter the tournament as favorites after beating Japan in the previous tournament. Norway, meanwhile, enjoyed a memorable campaign in their first World Cup since 1998. They reached the final with a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, with Erling Haaland scoring the final goal.History, however, gives confidence to Norway. Brazil have not beaten the Scandinavian side in four previous meetings, including their famous 2-1 defeat at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.