Neymar is expected to play more minutes against Japan in the 2026 World Cup.

The return of Neymar to the starting lineup for the Brazilian national team remains shrouded in uncertainty, even with the impending decisive clash against Japan in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Despite the high expectations from fans in Brazil and the global football community, the Al Hilal forward is expected, according to the latest indications, to start on the bench again, as part of Carlo Ancelotti’s clear strategy of caution and physical management of the star player.

Neymar has been sidelined during the group stage due to a calf injury sustained shortly before joining the national team’s training camp. This limitation prevented him from contributing in Brazil’s first two matches of the tournament. Nevertheless, in the final group match against Scotland, the number 10 was finally an option, coming on 14 minutes from the end to the delight of fans who had eagerly awaited his return.

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The match against Japan, scheduled for Monday, will be a litmus test not only for Brazil’s collective strength but also for Neymar’s ability to be decisive on the big stage once again. Carlo Ancelotti was unequivocal in his preview of the encounter: “In the last week, Neymar’s progress has been significant,” assured the Italian coach, emphasizing, however, that “it’s a shame he hasn’t been able to train with us during this time, but he can obviously play more than 15 minutes against Japan. It depends on the context and how the game evolves.” These statements, made at the pre-match press conference, reveal Ancelotti’s intention to carefully manage the star’s return without taking unnecessary risks.

The Brazilian coach’s precaution mainly stems from the player’s delicate medical history. Since suffering a serious knee injury in 2023, which kept him off the pitch for nearly a year, Neymar has been plagued by physical problems. Since his return in October 2024, he has already suffered seven distinct injuries, all of which have resulted in considerable downtime. This pattern of recurring injuries necessitates a conservative approach, especially now that the knockout stage of the World Cup is beginning, where any mismanagement could be costly.

The Brazil squad currently boasts several luxury options in attack, with names like Vinícius Júnior, Matheus Cunha, Rayan, and Gabriel Martinelli providing guarantees of speed, creativity, and goals. This depth allows Ancelotti to manage Neymar’s playing time, reserving him for moments of greater need and avoiding pushing him too early into a competitive rhythm for which he may not yet be fully prepared. The coach himself reinforced this idea by admitting that the use of the star player will be dictated “by the context and the evolution of the game.”

For Brazil, the challenge against Japan carries risks. The Japanese team has surprised with its tactical organization, defensive discipline, and ability to exploit counterattacks, characteristics that could pose difficulties for the canarinha, especially if they fail to unlock the score early. Neymar’s presence, even if partial, could prove decisive – his creativity, ability to unbalance defenses, and experience on big stages are assets that could make a difference if the game becomes complicated.

If Brazil triumphs against Japan, they will face a formidable opponent in the round of 16: Ivory Coast or Norway. And, should they continue to advance, the draw could set up a thrilling clash with England in the quarter-finals, a classic that promises to ignite the expectations of fans around the world.

For now, the focus is entirely on Neymar’s full recovery and the intelligent management of his minutes, in a strategy aimed at having him at 100% during the crucial moments of the tournament. The expectation is that the number 10 shirt will continue to be used from the bench, coming on to make an impact when the match demands it. If Brazil continues to progress in the competition, it remains to be seen whether Neymar will be able to regain sufficient physical condition to return to the starting lineup and, who knows, lead the team towards the highly coveted sixth championship. In the meantime, the world holds its breath and awaits the next chapter of the Brazilian genius’s return to the grand stages of world football.

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