Early Scotland vs Brazil team news as Tartan Army learn major lineup development

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 18: A general interior view of match action at Hard Rock Stadium, host venue for the FIFA World Cup 2026 during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group H match between Real Madrid CF and Al Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium on June 18, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) — Scotland face Brazil at Miami Gardens this evening (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Tartan Army and the rest of Scotland appear set to witness Neymar make his long-awaited Brazil return in the nations' final 2026 World Cup group stage match on Wednesday.

The superstar attacker has not featured for the Selecao since October 2023, but all signs suggest he is in line to earn minutes against Steve Clarke's side at Miami Stadium.

The 34-year-old Neymar missed Brazil's opening two Group C fixtures against Morocco and Haiti after suffering a calf injury in league play with boyhood club Santos FC, but an appearance in the Group C finale is possible if not likely.

Ancelotti: "Neymar can play the whole 90 minutes"

Brazil manager said Neymar could start or come off the bench vs Scotland — Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti (Image credit: Getty Images)

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti seemed to all but confirm Neymar's involvement during Tuesday's pregame press conference, revealing the the country's all-time leading scorer is fully fit.

“He is available. He trained very well this week,” Ancelotti said. “He is fit and able and ready to play. We are very happy he is back. He is a high-quality player."

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“He can play from halftime or the whole 90 minutes. He is very well. He worked very hard, so he is ready," Ancelotti added.

Neymar's last appearance for Brazil came in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay on Oct. 17, 2023, but injuries and other setbacks have prevented him from adding to his 128 caps and record 79 goals since.

Neymar's return would provide a significant boost for Brazil. as the five-time world champions look to secure the top spot in Group C.

The Selecao currently leads the group on four points, edging Morocco on goal difference, but Scotland could still finish first with a victory coupled with a Haiti draw or win over the Moroccans.

The Tartan Army — the collective nickname for Scotland supporters — has celebrated that possibility in festive fashion across Miami in recent days.

Tartan Army has been celebrating across Miami since Monday, creating a festive atmosphere ahead of Scotland's showdown with Brazil — Tartan Army in the United States (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Scottish fans have been seen throughout the city in the lead-up to Wednesday's clash, including on South Beach and at a Miami Marlins game on Tuesday that featured a march through Little Havana.

Brazilians have also joined in on the pre-game fun, helping create a rowdy atmosphere as the group stage of the 2026 World Cup begins to come to a close.

Do you see Scotland overcoming Brazil with Neymar? Tell us in the comments below.

POV: The Tartan Army takes over Little Havana pic.twitter.com/lJUc0oEOVyJune 22, 2026

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Franco Panizo is a seasoned bilingual futbol journalist based in Miami with almost two decades of experience covering the Beautiful Game at all levels, including the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Copa America.

He is one of the original core reporters covering Lionel Messi and David Beckham at Inter Miami from on the ground in South Florida, creating the independent Miami Total Futbol YouTube channel and podcast back in 2020.

Franco is fluent in Spanish, and previously worked for the South Florida Sun Sentinel newspaper and DAZN. His work has also been featured at the Miami Herald, ESPN, the Athletic, and more.