Ancelotti makes decision on Neymar role and has options to replace Raphinha
Quick summary
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has decided on Neymar's role in the squad and is considering options to replace the injured Raphinha.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceCarlo Ancelotti has several options to replace the injured Raphinha for Brazil, has confirmed that Neymar will be available to face Scotland and has reportedly decided where the legendary former Barcelona and PSG star will slot in once he is finally given his 2026 World Cup debut.
Who replaces Raphinha and where will Ancelotti field Neymar for Brazil? Brazil are preparing to take on Scott McTominay’s Scotland in their final group stage fixture at the 2026 World Cup at 23.00 BST on Wednesday evening. Ancelotti and his players currently sit at the top of the group with four points after two matches and are aiming to finish the evening at the top of the Group C standings.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 13: Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil, reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Morocco at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 13, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) After a slow start in their 1-1 draw with 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, Brazil showed signs of encouragement during their 3-0 victory against Haiti last week, however, an injury to Barcelona winger Raphinha, who will not be fit enough to feature against Scotland, means that Ancelotti is forced into at least one personnel change.
According to the latest updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport , 19-year-old Bournemouth talent Rayan is the favourite to start on the right wing for Brazil on Wednesday night, but there are still several other options under consideration, including Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli and Endrick.
In more encouraging news for the Selecao, Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar is finally ready to feature at the World Cup, having missed the opening two matches through injury.
CUIABA, BRAZIL – OCTOBER 12: Neymar Jr. of Brazil runs with the ball during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Brazil and Venezuela at Arena Pantanal on October 12, 2023 in Cuiaba, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images) La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Neymar is unlikely to start, especially after the success that the team had with Vinicius Jr., Matheus Cunha, Raphinha and Lucas Paqueta against Haiti. Aside from the injured Raphinha, that attacking line-up is likely to remain the same.
However, Wednesday’s reports claim that once Neymar does appear for Brazil at the World Cup, it will be in a false nine role, which La Gazzetta dello Sport describes as ‘the only role where he can offer a genuine difference in his current condition’.
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What happened
Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of the Brazil national team, has clarified his plans for Neymar, deciding on the forward's role within the squad. Additionally, with Raphinha ruled out due to injury, Ancelotti is evaluating replacement options. The decisions come as Brazil prepares for upcoming fixtures, with the coach weighing tactical alternatives in attack.
Chance analysis
Ancelotti's clarification on Neymar's role signals a potential reintegration of the star forward into Brazil's starting setup, which could reshape the team's attacking dynamics. The need to replace Raphinha, a key creative outlet, forces tactical adjustments that may affect Brazil's offensive balance in upcoming matches. This is a lineup/tactical story with direct implications for Brazil's match preparation.
Brazil's attacking structure may shift as Neymar is integrated and Raphinha's absence forces alternative winger/forward selections.
Monitor Brazil's confirmed lineup and tactical shape; Neymar's role and Raphinha's replacement directly affect attacking output and goal threat.