Neymar left on bench as Brazil stick with Vinícius and Paquetá for World Cup clash with Scotland

Brazil have omitted Neymar from their starting XI for the final Group C match against Scotland at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on June 24, 2026, with the forward named among the substitutes. The decision, made by head coach Carlo Ancelotti, comes after Neymar missed Brazil’s opening two group games while finishing recovery from a Grade 2 right hamstring strain; Ancelotti confirmed the player is fit and likely to be used from the bench as the match is played. Brazil are leading 3-0 in the second half.

Why it matters

Neymar’s role in this game matters because it is his first availability of the tournament after a prolonged period on the sidelines. His inclusion on the bench rather than in the starting XI signals Ancelotti’s cautious approach to reintegrating a senior attacking option who has been managed carefully through recent fitness setbacks and a long-term knee injury sustained in 2023. How and when Neymar is introduced could shape Brazil’s attacking balance in the closing stages of this group fixture.

Ancelotti explains the selection

Ancelotti told reporters that Neymar trained well with the squad and is available for selection: “Neymar is available, he trained well and prepared for the match. He can play, just like the others. We are very happy that he is back because, obviously, he has a lot of quality and can help the team.” The manager described Neymar’s attitude during the recovery period as positive, noting his leadership and support for team-mates even when not on the pitch.

Tactically, Ancelotti has opted to retain Vinícius Júnior on the left wing and Lucas Paquetá as the attacking midfielder behind the striker in his starting set-up. That combination was chosen despite Neymar being fully available, underlining the manager’s preference for continuity in the starting XI for this decisive final group match.

Neymar’s recent injury and return timeline

Neymar missed Brazil’s first two group matches — against Morocco and Haiti — while completing recovery from a Grade 2 right hamstring strain. That hamstring issue was the immediate reason for his absence at the start of the tournament.

The widely reported background to his recent fitness struggles also notes a much earlier and serious injury: Neymar’s last official appearance for Brazil before this tournament came on October 17, 2023, when he suffered a complete tear of the ACL and meniscus in his left knee during a World Cup qualifier in Montevideo. He returned to club football at Santos in February 2025 as part of his long-term rehabilitation and preparation for international duties.

Match context: Brazil leading and managing bodies

With Brazil leading 3-0 in the second half against Scotland, Ancelotti’s decision to keep Neymar on the bench can also be read in the context of game management. A comfortable lead provides an opportunity to reintroduce a high-profile player gradually, allowing Brazil to balance the short-term desire for firepower with longer-term fitness preservation through the tournament.

• Neymar is not in Brazil’s starting XI for the Group C match against Scotland at Hard Rock Stadium (June 24, 2026).
• Ancelotti confirmed Neymar trained well, is available and "highly likely" to play; his attitude during recovery has been positive.
• Neymar missed the first two group games due to a Grade 2 right hamstring strain and this is his first match available in the tournament.
• Brazil are leading 3-0 in the second half of the match, providing scope to use Neymar from the bench without undue risk.
• Neymar’s longer-term absence from Brazil prior to this tournament dates to an ACL and meniscus injury on 17 October 2023; he returned to club football at Santos in February 2025.

Tactical and squad implications

Starting with Vinícius and Paquetá preserves the shape and attacking rhythm Ancelotti chose for the group game. Bringing Neymar on later would give Brazil additional creative and goalscoring options while limiting his minutes, a common approach for reintegrating elite players after recent injuries. Given Brazil’s lead in the game, the bench role allows the coaching staff to manage load and reduce the risk of recurrence of recent muscular problems.

For Neymar personally, the substitute role is a chance to rebuild match sharpness in a World Cup environment without the immediate pressures of a full start. For Ancelotti, it offers an opportunity to call on an experienced match-winner if required while keeping the starting unit intact for as long as it remains effective.

What happens next

If Ancelotti follows the plan outlined in pre-match comments, Neymar will be available to enter the match from the bench and is “highly likely” to see minutes. The precise timing and impact of any introduction will depend on the game situation, Brazil’s fitness management priorities and how much the manager wishes to protect Neymar as Brazil progress from the group stage.