Neymar is finally fit to start and play the full 90 minutes in the 2026 World Cup, assures Carlo Ancelotti, leaving Brazilian fans ecstatic and opponents on high alert. The news comes at a critical time as the Brazil national team prepares to face Norway in the Round of 16, in a match where only victory matters to continue the pursuit of the most coveted title on the planet.
Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of Brazil, stated unequivocally that Neymar, the number 10 shirt, has fully recovered from the injury that kept him off the pitch and is ready to take on a leading role. Neymar returned to competition against Scotland, but remained on the bench in the last match against Japan, where Brazil secured their place in the knockout stage. In an interview with the newspaper Folha de São Paulo, the Italian coach clarified the situation of the star player: “Neymar can play 90 minutes. He is not content on the bench, but he is showing very good behavior and working well. Neymar is respected, kind, and loved by his teammates. He is an important character in the team because he has quality and is a very humble person. I am very happy with him. And obviously, he wants to play, as he always has,” Ancelotti emphasized, boosting the morale of both the player and the team.
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Neymar's presence at the 2026 World Cup is a colossal asset for Brazil, which is seeking to reclaim lost glory and return to the top of world football. The impact of the forward's return goes far beyond the pitch: it galvanizes the team's morale, instills confidence in the fans, and forces any opponent to rethink their defensive strategy. Neymar, known for his creativity, refined technique, and ability to decide games, could be the key that unlocks the most solid defenses. Ancelotti himself highlighted the importance of not having resigned players on the bench, considering the ambition and desire to play demonstrated by the Brazilian international to be a positive factor.
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The next match for Brazil, scheduled for Sunday at 9 PM, pits the canarinha against Norway, led by the formidable Haaland. Only victory matters, as access to the quarter-finals is at stake. Ancelotti does not hide the difficulty of the challenge and acknowledges the opponent's strength: “At this stage of the World Cup, all matches are tough. In a knockout round, many factors come into play, not just technical and strategic aspects, but also mental aspects,” the coach warned, emphasizing that there is no room for errors. Regarding the opponent, he added: “Norway is a good team, with good players. Haaland is one of the best players in the world. It is always difficult. But we are confident that we will play a good game.”
The interview with Folha de São Paulo also revealed some curious details about Ancelotti himself, known for his calm demeanor on the sidelines. The Italian explained why he did not celebrate exuberantly when Martinelli scored, sealing qualification for the round of 16: “I can’t run because I’ll rupture my knee. I’m 67 years old,” he humorously stated, adding: “And, for me, the game never ends. When Martinelli scored, there were a few minutes left until the end. So, I can’t celebrate. Because it has happened to me many times that a game I thought was over ended badly.” In a more relaxed tone, the coach also admitted: “I am Catholic, but I think God has other problems to think about (laughs),” showing his more human and cheerful side.
With Neymar ready to return to the starting eleven and the confidence of the coach high, Brazil is preparing for one of the most decisive matches of the tournament. If they manage to overcome Norway, the Brazilian national team positions itself as one of the main favorites to win the trophy, now with its greatest talent at 100%. The weight of responsibility lies with Brazil, but with Neymar fit and motivated, opponents know that danger can strike at any moment. The clash with Haaland promises intense emotions and could determine the course of the 2026 World Cup.
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