Neymar made his official return for Brazil in the group‑stage match against Scotland at the 2026 World Cup, which is being staged across the United States, Mexico and Canada. He was substituted in for Matheus Cunha and played the final 14 minutes as Brazil extended its lead to 3‑0.
Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti had earlier confirmed that Neymar had trained and was available for the game, joking that he could play “ninety minutes, walking”. Ancelotti praised Neymar’s experience and also highlighted fellow Brazilian Vinícius Júnior as a key star of the tournament.
The star missed Brazil’s first two group matches – a 1‑1 draw with Morocco and a 3‑0 victory over Haiti – as well as pre‑tournament friendlies, after a hamstring injury kept him out of earlier fixtures.