Scotland v Belarus 2026 FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qualifier 12/10/2025. Group C Andy Robertson of Scotland during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier, Scotland vs Belarus, The National Stadium, Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, 12/10/2025. Hampden Park The National Stadium Glasgow Scotland Editorial use only , Copyright: xColinxPoultneyx PSI-23023-0087
Brazil superstar Neymar is set to make his long-awaited World Cup 2026 debut against Scotland in a pivotal Group C clash in Miami.
The 34-year-old has been absent from the national team for almost three years and only just made the squad this summer after a series of fitness issues.
Neymar was controversially included in Brazil’s World Cup squad but missed the opening two group games due to a calf injury.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed after Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Haiti that the all-time leading scorer should be fit to face Steve Clarke’s side.
Ancelotti said: “Neymar will train individually tomorrow. Then, on Monday, he will be with the team and will be ready to play against Scotland.”
Neymar stayed at the squad’s New Jersey base during the Haiti game in Philadelphia to continue his recovery, and that patience now appears ready to pay off.
However, Brazil received a significant injury scare when Barcelona winger Raphinha limped off during the first half of the Haiti contest.
Raphinha was plagued by hamstring problems throughout last season, and the issue appears to have resurfaced at the worst possible moment for Brazil.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jnr said: “It’s a shame. I think it was the same injury as last time. We’re very sad about that. I hope it’s nothing serious and that he can continue with us.”
Former West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta added: “He’s a little down, we hope it’s nothing serious, that it’s the least bad thing because he’s a very important player and we count on him a lot.”
Football Federation spokesman Rodrigo Caetano addressed the situation directly, saying Raphinha’s athletic quality makes his potential absence all the more concerning for the squad.
Caetano said: “Raphinha has exceptional athletic ability, he’s a very talented player, one of the great players in world football. God willing, when we see the results of the exams, we can not only calm ourselves down, but also calm all Brazilian fans.”
Brazil’s medical team were due to assess Raphinha’s condition, with examination results set to determine whether he can participate against Scotland or further in the tournament.
Brazil currently top Group C on goal difference ahead of Morocco, with Scotland sitting one point behind in third position.
Ancelotti’s side struggled in their opening draw against Morocco before finding their rhythm against Haiti, and the Italian coach is wary of underestimating Clarke’s team.
Ancelotti said: “Scotland has their features. They can create a problem. They created problems to Morocco and so we have to focus, be calm and be tranquil and keep on working to improve.”
The Brazil coach also made clear his ambitions for finishing top of the group, adding: “If we can reach the first position of the group, that would be important for the future. So we want to prepare well.”
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