Neymar’s long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup is finally complete.
The Brazil superstar made his first appearance of the 2026 tournament as a second-half substitute during Brazil’s commanding 3-0 victory over Scotland, marking his first World Cup appearance since Qatar 2022 after recovering from a calf injury.
Although he didn’t get on the scoresheet, Neymar received a huge ovation from Brazilian supporters as he stepped onto the pitch, providing a major boost to Carlo Ancelotti’s side ahead of the knockout rounds. Brazil had already built a comfortable lead through a Vinícius Júnior brace before Matheus Cunha sealed the win, but Neymar’s return was the biggest talking point of the night.
With Brazil finishing the group stage in impressive fashion and Neymar now back in action, the five-time world champions head into the Round of 32 with renewed confidence and one of football’s biggest stars ready to make his mark.
