Neymar Targets Return for Brazil Scotland Finale

After three weeks on the sidelines, Neymar finally pulled on his training kit and joined Brazil’s squad for a full session in Miami, setting his sights on Wednesday’s Group C showdown with Scotland. The 34-year-old — sidelined since May with a grade-two calf injury — has been Brazil’s most watched man at the 2026 World Cup without kicking a competitive ball.

Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the forward could feature against Scotland, with the medical staff satisfied by his progression. Brazil have already sealed qualification for the round of 32, topping Group C after wins over Haiti and a commanding display through the group stage. With no pressure on the result, Wednesday’s finale is the perfect low-stakes platform for Neymar to shake off the rust before the knockout rounds begin.

Neymar’s record stands at 79 international goals for Brazil — more than any player in the nation’s history, surpassing even Pelé. Yet the 2026 tournament represents perhaps his final shot at the one prize that has eluded him. A fully fit Neymar, even at 34, remains one of football’s most dangerous weapons. Brazil’s squad has buzzed with expectation at the prospect of reuniting with their talisman for the knockout rounds, where the Brazilian public expects nothing less than a semi-final run at minimum.

If Neymar steps onto the Hard Rock Stadium turf against Scotland, it will mark the moment this World Cup truly begins for Brazil. For a player defined by both dazzling brilliance and heartbreaking setbacks at previous tournaments, the stakes — and the anticipation — could not be higher.