Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar is fully fit and ready for selection in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Norway, raising hopes of a starring role for the veteran in the knockout stages.The five-time champions secured their place in the last 16 with a dramatic 2-1 win over Japan in the round of 16, thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time winner. However, Neymar did not participate in the competition as he continued to recover from a right calf injury.
Ancelotti confirms that Neymar can play the whole game
Neymar’s World Cup campaign has so far been hampered by fitness issues. The 34-year-old made just one brief appearance at the tournament, coming off the bench for 14 minutes during Brazil’s group stage win over Scotland.Speaking to Folha de S.Paulo, as quoted by Goal.com , Ancelotti said the Brazilian star is now ready to contribute whenever needed.“The important thing is that he is available to play. No one knows how long he will play. He has the experience to manage his minutes and the pace of the game. When I feel the team needs him, I will put him on the pitch,” Ancelotti said.When asked if Neymar is able to last the whole game, the Brazilian coach answered directly.“Yes. He can play 90 minutes.”
‘An important character in the team’
Ancelotti also praised Neymar’s influence in the dressing room, noting both his footballing quality and leadership around the team.“He trains very well. Neymar is very respected, kind and loved by his team-mates. He is an important character in the team because he has enormous quality and is a very humble person. I am very happy with him. It is obvious that he wants to play, just like always,” he said.The experienced coach added that although Neymar has not openly asked for a place in the starting line-up, his desire to return to the game is obvious.“He doesn’t say directly, ‘I want to play’, but that desire is quite clear. And that is a positive thing. A player cannot be happy sitting on the bench,” added Ancelotti.
Brazil are eyeing their first ever World Cup victory over Norway
Brazil will face Norway in the Round of 16 on Sunday at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The South American giants enter the competition as favorites after beating Japan in the previous round. Norway, meanwhile, enjoyed a memorable campaign in their first World Cup appearance since 1998. They reached the knockout stages with a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive late goal.History, however, offers Norway confidence. Brazil had never beaten the Scandinavian side in their four previous meetings, including their famous 2-1 defeat at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
