Neymar signaled his long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup by achieving two of the most extraordinary feats in Brazilian football history as Brazil won 3-0 against Scotland. After coming off the bench in the second half at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the 34-year-old became the fourth Brazilian player to appear in four World Cups and the second to wear Brazil’s iconic number 10 shirt in four editions of the tournament.The appearance ended an absence of more than three years from the World Cup stage. Neymar has not featured since Brazil’s quarter-final loss to Croatia on December 9, 2022, while his last appearance came on October 17, 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
Neymar joins one of Brazil’s most famous World Cup series
Brazil’s rich World Cup history dates back to 1930, yet only four players have represented the Seleção in all four editions of the tournament.Neymar now joins Pelé (1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970), Djalma Santos (1954, 1958, 1962 and 1966) and Cafu (1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006) in his first 2 league appearances.His return had another history. By wearing Brazil’s 10 most famous jerseys at the 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups, Neymar became Brazil’s second player after Pelé to wear the country’s most famous jersey in four World Cups.
Brazil took first place before Neymar returned
Brazil went into the Group C final needing a draw to go top, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side quickly erased any uncertainty.Vinícius Júnior capitalized on a defensive error to open the scoring in the seventh minute before adding a second with a powerful header in first-half stoppage time. Matheus Cunha completed the victory in the 60th minute after being released by Bruno Guimarães’ excellent through ball.
Brazil’s Neymar (10) reacts during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Scotland and Brazil in Miami Gardens, Fla., Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
After the result was well secured, Ancelotti introduced Neymar in the 76th minute, replacing Cunha and standing in for the Miami team.The induction marked Neymar’s first World Cup appearance since Qatar 2022 and his first international game since suffering a knee injury that kept him sidelined for a long time before a recent calf problem delayed his participation in the tournament.
Sharp’s return gives Brazil another attacking option
Although Neymar only played 15 minutes, he looked impressive and scored a goal in his famous 10-man roll.He completed 13 of 14 passes for a pass accuracy of 92 percent, created two chances, produced one shot on target and drew a foul without showing any signs of improvement. One of the most convincing moments came after his free-kick was deflected back into his path, giving him a first-time effort from distance, despite Angus Gunn’s well rounded effort.
Brazil’s Neymar (10) competes for the ball with Scotland’s Kenny McLean (23) and Lewis Ferguson (19) during the Group C World Cup soccer match between Scotland and Brazil in Miami Gardens, Fla., Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Speaking in the mixed media after the game, Neymar reflected on his return to the World Cup stage, describing it as “one special day” of his career when he wore the shirt of Brazil on the biggest stage of football.Crucially for Brazil, Neymar completed the tournament without physical handicaps after missing two of the group’s opening games.Brazil finished Group C unbeaten with seven points following a draw against Morocco and wins over Haiti and Scotland, making it to the Round of 32 as group winners.With Neymar now fit for the match and Vinícius Júnior leading the competition with another display, Carlo Ancelotti will go into the knockout stages with the most attacking tactics Brazil have had since the competition began.
