Disaster Index: 7.8 Entry: Neymar on the Bench: Brazil's Available Option Cause: Neymar confirmed available as substitute for Brazil's match against Scotland, meaning the highest-leverage player in this fixture has not yet been deployed — and may be held back for exactly the moment Scotland feel settled. Category: Structural Evidence: Neymar did not start. Carlo Ancelotti confirmed he is available to come on. Scotland's defensive record against late, high-quality introductions is not a source of comfort. Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 in their opener. Historical precedent: Scotland have not faced Brazil in competitive football since the 1998 World Cup opening fixture, which ended 2-1. The pattern of the threat arriving from an unexpected angle has precedent at tournament level. Affected parties: Scotland defensive unit; Scotland supporters who had assessed the team sheet and arrived at a provisional state of relative calm. Immediate outlook: The match is occurring. The bench has been noted. The Index will be updated. Filed: 24 June 2026 / Scotland v Brazil, Group Stage