Will Neymar play tonight for Brazil vs Norway FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16?

Brazil will meet Norway on July 6 IST.

Brazil head into the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 looking to continue their progress in the tournament after overcoming Japan in the previous round to set up a meeting with Norway.

The Seleção have gradually welcomed back several players from injury during the competition, giving head coach Carlo Ancelotti more options as the knockout rounds begin.

One of the biggest talking points surrounding Brazil’s campaign has been the fitness and involvement of some of their senior players, particularly after several injury setbacks before and during the tournament.

As Brazil prepare to face an unbeaten Norway side led by Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, attention has once again turned towards the availability of Neymar.

Neymar fitness update ahead of Brazil vs Morocco

Neymar is available for selection for Brazil’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against Norway. The 34-year-old missed Brazil’s opening matches of the tournament after suffering a calf injury shortly before the World Cup and only returned to action during the group stage.

Neymar made his tournament debut as a substitute in Brazil’s final group-stage fixture against Scotland, marking his first appearance for the national team since his lengthy injury absence.

He was left on the bench for Brazil’s Round of 32 match against Japan; Carlo Ancelotti stated that this decision was made mainly for precautionary reasons and had more to do with managing Neymar’s workload than being an indication of any new injury. However, Brazil’s head coach has since confirmed that Neymar is fully fit.

He stated: “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 also dismissed concerns over the 34-year-old’s stamina when asked if Neymar is capable of completing an entire match. The Brazilian boss gave a clear and confident response.

He said: “Yes. He can play 90 minutes.”

Neymar enters the match as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s international goalscorer with 79 goals for the national team, having surpassed Pelé’s long-standing record in 2023.

The tournament is Neymar’s fourth FIFA World Cup appearance after previously representing Brazil in 2014, 2018 and 2022. The 34-year-old has also indicated that the 2026 edition could be his final World Cup appearance for the Seleção.

As things stand, Neymar is fully fit, available for selection and expected to play some role against Norway as Brazil aim to reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

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