Italian Carlo Ancelotti, the coach of the Brazil national team, confirmed that player Neymar da Silva is in high physical fitness, enabling him to play the upcoming match against Norway in the World Cup in full.
The Brazil national team is set for a fiery encounter with its Norwegian counterpart next Sunday in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, at the "MetLife" stadium.
Ancelotti's conference for the Brazil vs. Norway match
The veteran coach praised the morale and technical skills of the seasoned striker, Neymar da Silva, even after he sat on the bench during the past matches for the "Samba dancers," despite being fully ready.
Carlo Ancelotti revealed in his statements, reported by the Brazilian newspaper "ge.globo," that Neymar is indeed ready to play a full match with the national team in the World Cup.
Neymar participated for the first time with his national team in the current World Cup when he came on as a substitute in the 76th minute in the match against Scotland, which ended with a 3-0 victory for the Samba.
Carlo added: "Neymar did not give up on the matter, but behaves very well, trains seriously, Neymar is a respected, kind, and beloved player by his teammates, he is an important figure in the team for his talent and humility."
He continued: "I am very happy with him, and it is clear that he wants to play, as always, and this is a positive indicator, as no player should feel comfortable sitting on the bench."
Ancelotti explained the reason for not celebrating the goal Brazil scored against Japan, to qualify for the round of 16 of the World Cup by saying: "For me, the match never ends, when Martinelli scored the goal, there were minutes left."
The Brazil coach pointed out: "That's why I couldn't celebrate, because this happened to me many times, a match I thought was already over, but it ended badly."
Ancelotti noted that Brazil's upcoming match against Norway on Sunday will be difficult, adding: "At this stage of the World Cup, all matches are difficult and results are not guaranteed."
He continued: "In the knockout stages, many factors play a decisive role, not only technical and strategic aspects but also mental aspects."
He concluded his statements by saying: "Norway is a good team, with distinguished players, Haaland is one of the best players in the world, matches are always difficult, but we are confident that we will deliver a good match."
