Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has declared that Neymar is in full fitness and ready to play the entire 90 minutes when Brazil take on Norway in their FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 encounter.

Ancelotti also confirmed that the Santos forward will line up alongside Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr., signalling a first joint start for the pair at this tournament. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Ancelotti said: "Neymar can play 90 minutes… and he can play with Vinicius Jr. I think they will play together."

The match carries added weight for Brazil, who have never defeated Norway across four previous meetings. Sunday night offers the South Americans their best chance yet to end that unwanted record, though they will have to contend with the threat of Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland.

Neymar's road back

Brazil's all-time leading scorer made his long-awaited appearance at this World Cup as a substitute in the group-stage game against Scotland in Miami, entering the pitch in the 76th minute. It was his first action at a World Cup after a turbulent few years defined by persistent injury.

Since 2017, Neymar has sustained more than 45 injuries and missed in excess of 270 matches — a staggering toll that has repeatedly derailed what should have been the peak years of his career.

Across all competitions for Santos during the 2025/26 season, Neymar made 15 appearances before earning his call-up to the national squad.

His World Cup history is one of contrasts. At the 2018 edition in Russia, he completed the full 90 minutes in all five of Brazil's matches despite returning from an ankle injury. In Qatar four years later, a heavy challenge in the opening game against Serbia forced him to sit out much of the group stage.

With Sunday's match against Norway now approaching, Ancelotti is betting on a fit and focused Neymar to help steer Brazil deep into the knockout rounds.