Neymar is expected to make his first appearance at the 2026 World Cup on Monday night, when Brazil face Scotland in Miami at 1:00 a.m., barring a late surprise. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has said the forward is fit and available, and team sources believe he could either start or play 30 to 45 minutes. The 34-year-old, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, is returning to the biggest stage after three years without contributing to the national team.
His call-up had initially sparked debate in Brazil, with critics accusing Ancelotti of nostalgia and others pointing to Neymar’s long injury history and age. But as the tournament has gone on and the biggest stars have left their mark, Brazilian coverage has shifted toward the idea that the team cannot continue without its No. 10. Forward Gabriel Martinelli said, “Neymar looks very good, sharp and hungry,” while Lucas Paquetá said the squad was happy to see his progress and hoped he would return as soon as possible.
Neymar’s latest off-field headline came last week, when he announced he is expecting his fifth child. On the pitch, his return also matters because Raphinha, who was injured in the win over Haiti, will miss the match with a hamstring strain and may only be back for the knockout rounds. Luiz Henrique is seen as a likely replacement, while 19-year-old Endrick continues to draw pressure from Brazilian media for more minutes if Neymar cannot finish games.
Ancelotti has changed Brazil tactically, giving more freedom to the attackers, with Vinícius Júnior on the left, Matheus Cunha centrally, and Neymar in a freer role behind them. The coach has tried to keep calm amid the attention, saying, “Neymar is ready,” and stressing that the team will improve after its opening match against Morocco. Scotland, meanwhile, arrives in Miami hoping for a rare point and a place in the group, and thousands of its supporters have already made their presence felt around the city and at the stadium.
