Brazil took a firm grip on Group C with a 3-0 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia, and afterwards manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Neymar will be available for the final group fixture against Scotland in Miami on Wednesday. The 34-year-old forward has yet to feature at the tournament while recovering from a grade two right calf strain, but Ancelotti said he would train individually on Saturday before rejoining the squad on Monday. “He will be available for the match against Scotland,” the Italian stated, offering Brazil their most potent attacking option for a contest that will likely decide progression to the round of 32.

The Seleção overpowered Haiti with a controlled first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Matheus Cunha struck twice, the first a sharp finish after combining with Vinícius Júnior, who added a third before the interval. Two further goals were disallowed, but Ancelotti acknowledged some drop in intensity after the break, noting that Morocco’s earlier 1-0 win over Scotland meant Brazil led the group on goal difference.

The victory was tempered by an injury to winger Raphinha, who signalled to the bench and limped off in the 38th minute with what appeared to be a right hamstring problem. He was later seen icing the area, and Ancelotti described the severity as unclear, pending medical scans. The potential absence of the Barcelona forward adds urgency to Neymar’s return; Brazil’s all-time leading scorer last played for Santos on 17 May and has been following an individual rehabilitation programme at the team’s headquarters in New Jersey.

Brazil sit level with Morocco on four points but possess a superior goal difference. Scotland, on three points, must win to remain in contention, a scenario Ancelotti insisted his side are not taking lightly. “Scotland has its features, it can create problems – it created problems to Morocco today,” he noted, while refusing to commit to keeping Cunha in the line-up despite his brace. “It can be an option,” Ancelotti said, hinting that tactical variation rather than a fixed identity is his approach as the tournament enters its decisive phase.