Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar is fully fit and available for selection in FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 encounter against Norway, raising hopes of a major role for the veteran forward in the knockout stages.The five-time champions booked their place in the last 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan in the Round of 32, thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time winner. However, Neymar did not feature in the contest as he continued his recovery from a right calf injury.

Neymar’s World Cup campaign has so far been hampered by fitness concerns. The 34-year-old has made just one brief appearance in the tournament, coming off the bench for 14 minutes during Brazil’s group-stage victory over Scotland.Speaking to Folha de S.Paulo, as quoted by Goal.com, Ancelotti said the Brazilian star is now ready to contribute whenever required.“The important thing is that he is available to play. How long he will play, nobody knows. He has the experience to manage his minutes and the tempo of the game. When I feel the team needs him, I will put him on the pitch,” Ancelotti said.When asked whether Neymar is capable of lasting the entire game, the Brazilian coach gave a straightforward response.“Yes. He can play 90 minutes.”

‘An important character in the squad’

Ancelotti also praised Neymar’s influence within the dressing room, highlighting both his footballing quality and leadership around the team.“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. Obviously, he wants to play, just as he always has,” he said.The experienced manager added that although Neymar has not openly demanded a place in the starting lineup, his eagerness to return to action is evident.“He doesn’t directly say, ‘I want to play,’ but that desire is quite clear. And it’s a positive thing. A player cannot be happy sitting on the bench,” Ancelotti added.

Brazil eye first-ever World Cup win over Norway

Brazil will face Norway in the Round of 16 at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. The South American giants enter the contest as favourites after edging past Japan in the previous round. Norway, meanwhile, have enjoyed a memorable campaign in their first World Cup appearance since 1998. They reached the knockout stage with a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive late goal.History, however, offers Norway confidence. Brazil have never beaten the Scandinavian side in four previous meetings, including their famous 2-1 defeat at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.