The Lead
Neymar is expected to be included in Brazil's matchday squad for their final group-stage encounter against Scotland on Saturday, potentially marking his first appearance in the 2026 World Cup. The forward has been unavailable for the tournament's opening matches due to an injury sustained prior to the competition.
According to reports from sports journalist Ben Goldfriend, the Brazilian national football team is prepared to reintegrate Neymar into the active roster for the upcoming match against Scotland. The star forward has been sidelined throughout the tournament so far, missing previous fixtures including the match against Haiti, as the team management opted for a cautious approach to his recovery.
Return to Fitness
The decision to include Neymar in the squad follows a period of rehabilitation. While he returned to full training earlier in the tournament, he was held out of the match against Haiti to avoid unnecessary risk. His inclusion for the Saturday fixture suggests that the medical staff and coaching team now view him as fit enough for competitive minutes as Brazil looks to solidify its position heading into the knockout stages.
Tournament Outlook
Brazil's management of their captain's fitness has been a central narrative of their 2026 campaign. With the knockout rounds approaching, the opportunity to provide Neymar with match rhythm against Scotland is seen as a strategic move. Analysts will be watching closely to see if the forward starts the match or is introduced as a substitute to manage his workload. The outcome of the Scotland match will determine Brazil's final standing in the group and their subsequent path in the tournament.
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