Neymar achieved two of the most unique milestones in Brazilian football history in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Scotland, marking his long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup. The 34-year-old came on as a second-half substitute at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium to become the fourth Brazilian player to feature in four different World Cups and the second to wear Brazil’s iconic No. 10 jersey in four editions.This appearance ended more than three years away from the World Cup stage. Neymar has not played since Brazil lost to Croatia in the quarterfinals on December 9, 2022, and his last international appearance was on October 17, 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury in Brazil’s World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay.
Neymar joins one of Brazil’s most unique World Cup rosters
Brazil’s rich World Cup history dates back to 1930, but only four players have represented the Selecao at four different editions of the World Cup.Having made his World Cup debut in 2026, Neymar now competes with Pele (1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970), Djalma Santos (1954, 1958, 1962 and 1966) and Cafu (1994, 1998, 2002 and 1966) and Cafu (1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006) Selected group of the year.His return also carries another piece of history. Neymar wore Brazil’s famous No. 10 jersey at the 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups, becoming the second Brazilian after Pele to wear Brazil’s most famous jersey in four World Cups.
Brazil secure first place ahead of Neymar’s return
Brazil went into the final game of Group C needing at least a draw to secure top spot, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side quickly removed any uncertainty.Vinícius Júnior opened the scoring in the seventh minute by taking advantage of a defensive error, and then added another with a powerful header in first-half stoppage time. Matheus Cunha completed the victory in the 60th minute when he was cleared by Bruno Guimarães’ precise pass.
Brazil’s Neymar (10) reacts as he takes the field during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Scotland and Brazil on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
With the result effectively determined, Ancelotti replaced Neymar in the 76th minute for Cunha, to a standing ovation from the Miami crowd.The substitution marks Neymar’s first World Cup appearance since Qatar 2022 and his first international match since recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for significant periods of time, with a calf problem recently delaying his participation in this tournament.
Strong return gives Brazil another attacking option
Although Neymar only played 15 minutes, he looked comfortable and composed in his familiar No. 10 role.He completed 13 of 14 passes with a passing accuracy of 92%, created 2 chances, hit the target once and committed a foul without showing any obvious signs of discomfort. One of his most promising moments came after his own free-kick bounced back into its own path, allowing him to shoot first-time from distance, although Angus Gunn collected the ball with ease.
Brazil’s Neymar (10) competes for the ball with Scotland’s Kenny McLean (23) and Lewis Ferguson (19) during the World Cup Group C football match between Scotland and Brazil in Miami Gardens, Florida, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Speaking in the mixed zone after the game, Neymar reflected on his return to the World Cup stage, calling it “one of the most special days” of his career as he once again donned a Brazil jersey and stepped onto football’s biggest stage.More importantly for Brazil, Neymar finished the game without any physical condition after missing the first two group games.After drawing with Morocco and defeating Haiti and Scotland, Brazil finished Group C with seven points unbeaten and advanced to the last 32 as group leader.With Neymar back in action and Vinicius Júnior once again leading the campaign with a fine performance, Ancelotti heads into the knockout rounds with the deepest attacking options Brazil have had since the start of the tournament.
