NEW JERSEY — Ahead of Brazil’s highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 showdown against Norway, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a massive boost to the five-time world champions. The Italian tactician confirmed that talismanic forward Neymar Jr is completely fit and prepared to last the full 90 minutes if required.
The 34-year-old Santos attacker’s World Cup campaign has been heavily restricted due to a frustrating grade-two calf injury. Neymar missed Brazil’s opening group-stage matches—a -1 draw against Morocco and a 3-0 victory over Haiti—before making a brief 14-minute cameo off the bench in their 3-0 win against Scotland. He remained an unused substitute during the dramatic 2-1 Round of 32 victory over Japan, which was settled by a late stoppage-time winner from Gabriel Martinelli.
Speaking to Folha de S.Paulo, Ancelotti put an end to all fitness speculations:
”Yes, he can play 90 minutes. He is training very well. Neymar is highly respectful, amiable, and loved by his teammates. He is an important character in the squad because he possesses immense quality and is a very humble person. I am very happy with him, and obviously, he wants to play, just as he always has.”
With midfielder Lucas Paquetá currently sidelined with an injury, Neymar’s return to full fitness offers a perfect tactical solution for the Seleção. However, Ancelotti warned that navigating past Norway will be a demanding task at the New York New Jersey Stadium, specifically highlighting the threat of their world-class talisman.
”Norway is a well-organized team with several world-class players. Erling Haaland is one of the best in the world. There is no doubt this will be a difficult match,” Ancelotti noted.
History also favors the Scandinavian side; Brazil has famously never defeated Norway in their four previous historical meetings, including a memorable 2-1 defeat at the 1998 World Cup.
