Miami Gardens: Neymar returns for Brazil in World Cup match against Scotland

By Arjun Nair / 25.06.2026

By Arjun Nair — 25 June 2026 — 3 min read

Neymar made his debut in the current World Cup, entering as a substitute for Brazil during their match against Scotland. His appearance marked his first for Brazil since 2023, following a right calf injury that kept him out of the initial two matches of the tournament. The forward entered the game in the 76th minute, with Brazil already leading 3-0, a scoreline that ultimately secured their victory and a spot in the knockout stages.

The return of Neymar was met with significant emotion from both the player and the fans. As he warmed up along the sideline, cheers from the crowd intensified, growing even louder upon his entry into the game and with his first touch. Vinícius Júnior, who scored two goals in the match, expressed the team’s happiness, stating that their “idol is back.” Neymar himself acknowledged the mixed emotions of returning to the national team after a prolonged absence, expressing gratitude that his return went smoothly.

Emotional comeback after injury

Neymar’s return to the pitch was particularly poignant, marking his first appearance for the national team after an injury-induced absence of 981 days. This period saw him miss more than 100 matches across club and international football. The 34-year-old was visibly emotional before entering the game for his fourth FIFA World Cup campaign, with the crowd rising to applaud his return. His career has been marked by interruptions due to injuries, which have frequently impacted his momentum.

Despite his recent struggles and a period away from European football, Neymar remains a significant figure for Brazil. His availability was confirmed earlier in the week by Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, who had indicated the possibility of Neymar playing as a substitute. Ancelotti had noted that Neymar had trained well and was fit to play, describing him as a high-quality player.

Match details and team performance

The match against Scotland saw Brazil secure a dominant 3-0 victory. Brazil took an early lead, going 1-0 up within seven minutes when Rayan capitalised on a defensive error by Scott McKenna and set up Vinícius Júnior to score. Vinícius Júnior added his second goal just before halftime, heading home a cross from Bruno Guimaraes.

In the second half, Matheus Cunha scored Brazil’s third goal of the tournament, with Guimaraes providing his second assist. Scotland’s attacking efforts were largely contained, with goalkeeper Alisson making a save in the 64th minute to deny their first shot on target. Scotland boss Steve Clarke expressed disappointment, noting that his team “gave them the goals” and the game they wanted. The result leaves Scotland awaiting to see if they can qualify as one of the best third-placed sides, with a goal difference of minus-three.

Neymar, who is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 130 international appearances, stated he feels physically well and suggested he could play for an extended period. His return is seen as a boost for Brazil as they head into the knockout rounds of the competition.

The match concluded with Brazil maintaining a clean sheet against Scotland.

Source: apnews.com