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 caps off a more than three-year absence from the World Cup stage. Neymar has not played since Brazil lost to Croatia in the quarter-finals 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 is now in that select group along with Pele (1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970), Djalma Santos (1954, 1958, 1962 and 1966) and Cafu (1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006).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 at 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 in the group, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side quickly removed any uncertainty.Vinicius Junior opened the scoring in the seventh minute by taking advantage of a defensive error, 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 Guimaraes’ through ball.
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)
After successfully sealing the victory, Ancelotti replaced Neymar in the 76th minute and replaced Cunha, to a standing ovation from the Miami audience.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, had 1 shot on target, 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 his path, allowing him to fire a first-time shot from distance despite Angus Gunn gathering it 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 on football’s biggest stage.More importantly for Brazil, Neymar finished the game without any physical condition after missing the first two group games.Brazil finished Group C with seven points unbeaten after a draw with Morocco and wins over Haiti and Scotland, ensuring they will advance to the last 32 as group leaders.With Neymar back in action and Vinicius Junior 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 competition.
