Neymar returned to the Brazil national football team after a 981-day absence, making his first World Cup appearance in the group stage match against Scotland on June 25, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The 34-year-old had been sidelined by a serious knee injury sustained in October 2023 and a calf injury that kept him out of Brazil's first two group matches [1, 2, 5, 6].
Brazil defeated Scotland 3-0 at a packed stadium with an attendance of 64,478, with Vinicius Junior scoring twice and Matheus Cunha adding a third goal [3, 7, 4, 8]. Neymar entered the match in the 76th minute as a substitute, receiving a strong ovation from fans [3, 4, 5, 6]. After the match, Neymar said, "I went to the locker room, all alone, and I shed a few tears. It’s an immense relief to relive all this. It’s a moment of gratitude. I thank God for being able to experience this again" [6].
Brazil finished top of Group C with 7 points, ahead of Morocco with 6 and Scotland with 3 points [3, 7, 8]. Vinicius Junior has scored four goals so far, matching the tally of Mbappe and Haaland and trailing only Messi [3, 7, 8]. Coach Carlo Ancelotti praised Neymar's professionalism and fitness, saying, "He got the chance to play because he deserved it, he worked hard to recover. I think that in this World Cup, given his qualities, he can help the team. He played for just a few minutes, but he played well" [9, 5].
Ancelotti also noted the team must improve pace in possession and consistency but believes Brazil is ready for the knockout rounds [9, 10]. Gabriel Martinelli added, "He's performing at a very high level and you could see the intensity in today's training session. You could see how keen he is to be with us, and his quality is unquestionable" [1].
Brazil will face Japan in the World Cup Round of 32 on Monday, June 29, 2026, in Houston [10, 11, 12]. Japan, who defeated Brazil 3-2 in a friendly match in Tokyo last October, will be without winger Takefusa Kubo due to injury [10, 11, 12]. Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said he will decide the penalty kick order if the match goes to a shootout, rather than allowing players to volunteer as before [12].
