Neymar Returns to Brazil Squad for Crucial World Cup Match Against Scotland
Neymar's Comeback After Injury
In a significant development for Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, Neymar Jr. has been included on the bench for the team's final Group C match against Scotland. This marks his return to the squad following recovery from a calf injury. In his absence, forward Rayan has stepped in to take the place of the injured Raphinha.
Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he sustained a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. This injury kept him sidelined for a considerable time, limiting his participation in Brazil's qualification matches.
Ahead of the match against Scotland, Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti emphasized the importance of fielding the strongest lineup possible for this crucial game during a press conference on Tuesday.
He stated, "Our sole focus is to play a great match with the best lineup; this applies to our forwards as well," as reported by a Media House.
Ancelotti also mentioned, "We have a clear plan for replacing Raphinha; there's no need to dwell on potential card issues."
While the squad traveled to Philadelphia for their match against Haiti, which Brazil won 4-0, Neymar remained at the training base in New Jersey to continue his rehabilitation. Over the weekend, he resumed on-field activities, participating in physical and ball drills to enhance his recovery.
In the meantime, Raphinha had to leave the field in the 40th minute of Brazil's previous group-stage match against Haiti due to injury. He later shared his optimism on Instagram, stating he would "do everything possible to recover and return quickly."
The line-ups for the Brazil vs. Scotland FIFA World Cup 2026 match are as follows:
Brazil: Alisson, Danilo, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos, Douglas Santos, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta, Rayan, Vinicius Jr, Matheus Cunha.
Scotland: Angus Gunn, Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Jack Hendry, Ben Gannon-Doak, Lewis Ferguson, Lawrence Shankland, Nathan Patterson, Kenny McLean, Scott McKenna.