Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Neymar is fully fit to face Norway in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, raising hopes that the experienced striker will play an important role in the knockout stages.The five-time champions sealed their spot in the last 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan in the round of 32 thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time winner. However, Neymar did not take part in the game as he is still recovering from a right calf injury.
Ancelotti confirms Neymar can play full match
Neymar’s World Cup campaign has been hampered so far by health issues. The 34-year-old has only made one brief appearance at the World Cup, coming on as a 14-minute substitute in Brazil’s group stage win over Scotland.According to Goal.com, Ancelotti told Folha de Sao Paulo that the Brazilian star is now ready to contribute whenever needed.“The important thing is that he can play. No one knows how long he can play. He has the experience to manage his playing time and the rhythm of the game. When I feel that the team needs him, I will let him play,” Ancelotti said.When asked whether Neymar had the ability to last the entire match, the Brazilian coach gave a straightforward response.“Yes. He can play 90 minutes.”
“Important figure in the team”
Ancelotti also praised Neymar’s influence in the dressing room, highlighting his footballing qualities and leadership of the team.“He trains well. Neymar is very respectable, affable and well-liked by his teammates. He is an important figure in the team because he has huge abilities and is a very humble person. I am very happy with him. Obviously, he wants to play football, as he has always done,” he said.The veteran coach added that although Neymar has not publicly demanded a place in the starting XI, his desire to return to action is clear.“He didn’t directly say, ‘I want to play’, but the desire is very clear. It’s a positive thing. A player can’t be happy on the bench,” Ancelotti added.
Brazil looks set to beat Norway for the first time
Brazil will play Norway in the last 16 at the New York-New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. The South American giant has become the favorite in this tournament after defeating the Japanese team in the previous round. Meanwhile, Norway had a memorable run at the World Cup for the first time since 1998. They entered the knockout stages with a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive goal in the dying seconds.However, history gives Norway confidence. Brazil had never beaten the Scandinavian side in four previous meetings, including a famous 2-1 defeat at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
