Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar is making encouraging progress in his recovery but has indicated that the veteran forward is expected to begin on the bench once again when the five-time world champions take on Japan in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The highly anticipated knockout encounter comes just days after Neymar made his long-awaited return to international football during Brazil’s final Group C fixture against Scotland, ending an absence of nearly three years from the national team.
Although the Santos forward delighted supporters with his brief appearance, Ancelotti insists that the technical staff will not rush the 34-year-old back into a starting role as they continue to manage his fitness carefully.
Neymar’s journey back to the world’s biggest football stage has been filled with setbacks.
The Brazilian icon suffered a devastating knee injury in October 2023 that sidelined him for an extended period before another calf injury interrupted his preparations for the World Cup. The latest setback forced him to miss Brazil’s opening group matches against Morocco and Haiti, raising concerns over whether he would feature in the tournament at all.
However, after weeks of rehabilitation and gradual recovery, Neymar finally returned during Brazil’s victory over Scotland, replacing a teammate late in the game to receive a warm reception from supporters who had eagerly awaited his comeback.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with the veteran attacker’s recovery while stressing that Brazil’s medical team will continue to monitor his workload.
“Neymar has progressed very well. He has improved significantly over the last week. Unfortunately, he was unable to complete every training session with the squad, but he is in good shape. He is capable of playing longer than the few minutes he managed against Scotland. Everything will depend on how the match develops and what the team requires during the game,” Ancelotti said.
The experienced Italian tactician believes Neymar’s creativity and leadership remain invaluable assets for Brazil, particularly in the knockout rounds where individual brilliance often decides closely contested matches.
While the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star may not start, Ancelotti is expected to use him as an impact substitute should Brazil require additional attacking inspiration against an organised Japanese side.
Brazil head into the fixture among the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy, but Ancelotti has warned his players against underestimating Japan.
The Samurai Blue have enjoyed an impressive tournament and arrive for the knockout clash on the back of a remarkable ten-match unbeaten run in international football.
Japan finished second in Group F after recording a 4-0 victory over Tunisia before earning draws against the Netherlands and Sweden, demonstrating both attacking quality and defensive discipline.
Their recent record also includes an impressive 3-2 victory over Brazil in Tokyo and a memorable win over England at Wembley, results that underline their growing status among world football’s strongest national teams.
The build-up to Monday’s encounter has also attracted attention following comments made by Japan striker Kento Shiogai, who suggested that Brazil may no longer possess the same aura that once made them the dominant force in world football.
Although the young Wolfsburg striker has featured only briefly during the tournament, his remarks generated headlines ahead of the knockout showdown.
Ancelotti, however, refused to engage in any psychological battle with Japan.
The former Real Madrid manager insisted his team remains fully focused on football rather than pre-match exchanges, dismissing suggestions that Brazil would respond publicly to Shiogai’s comments.
“Our attention is on preparing properly for the match and respecting our opponents. We know Japan’s strengths and we understand the challenge ahead. We are not interested in playing mind games. The only response we want to give will come on the pitch,” Ancelotti stated.
Brazil’s cautious approach to Neymar’s return reflects the coaching staff’s determination to preserve one of the country’s greatest footballers for the latter stages of the competition.
Rather than risking another injury by rushing him into the starting lineup, Ancelotti appears committed to gradually increasing Neymar’s playing time as the tournament progresses.
Football analysts believe the strategy could prove decisive if Brazil advance deep into the knockout rounds, where squad depth and experienced match winners often become crucial.
Supporters will also be encouraged by Neymar’s improving condition, especially after months of uncertainty regarding his availability for the World Cup.
Even from the bench, his vision, creativity, set-piece ability and experience could provide the spark Brazil need against one of Asia’s strongest football nations.
As anticipation builds for one of the standout Round of 32 fixtures, Brazil will aim to continue their pursuit of a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup title, while Japan hope to produce another famous upset and continue their impressive run on the global stage.
Whether Neymar starts or enters as a substitute, all eyes will be on the legendary forward as he attempts to inspire Brazil’s quest for World Cup glory.
