Neymar Returns as Brazil Beat Scotland to Reach World Cup Knockout Stage
Brazil star Neymar made his long-awaited return to international football as the Seleção defeated Scotland 3-0 in their final Group C match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old came on in the 76th minute at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami with Brazil already leading 3-0 through a Vinicius Junior brace and a goal from Matheus Cunha.
It was Neymar’s first appearance for Brazil in 981 days after a long spell on the sidelines due to injuries.
Fans inside the stadium erupted with cheers when the forward began warming up in the second half. The noise grew even louder when he entered the pitch and touched the ball for the first time.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti had confirmed before the match that Neymar was available after recovering from a calf injury that had kept him out of Brazil’s opening two World Cup games.
“He is available. He trained very well this week,” Ancelotti said before the game.
“He is fit and able, ready to play. We are very happy that he is back. He is a high-quality player.”
Neymar replaced Cunha late in the match and showed flashes of his quality, creating three chances and testing the Scotland goalkeeper with one shot on target.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has endured a difficult period since suffering a serious knee injury during a World Cup qualifier in October 2023. However, his return gave Brazil supporters a reason to celebrate as the team secured top spot in Group C.
Neymar entered the tournament as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 129 appearances, having surpassed Pelé’s record in 2023.
His appearance against Scotland also made history, as he became only the fourth Brazilian player to feature at four FIFA World Cups, joining Pelé, Cafu and Djalma Santos.
Brazil’s victory ensured they finished top of Group C with seven points and advanced to the knockout stage, while Scotland’s hopes of progressing now depend on whether they can qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Vinicius Junior was the star of the match, scoring twice as Brazil capitalised on several defensive mistakes from the Scots.
