Neymar Returns in Tears as Brazil Tops World Cup Group After 3-0 Win Over Scotland

Brazil clinched first place in Group 3 at the 2026 World Cup late Wednesday into Thursday with a convincing 3-0 victory over Scotland in Miami. The result sends the Seleção into the round of 32 as group winners, where they will play on Monday in Houston against the runners-up from Group 6, likely Japan or the Netherlands.

The main storyline was Neymar’s long-awaited return to the national team. The 34-year-old made his first official appearance for Brazil in 981 days, coming off the bench in the 76th minute. He had not played for the national side since October 2023, when he suffered an ACL tear against Uruguay. In Miami, the crowd greeted him with loud applause as he warmed up, then rose to its feet when his name was announced. Every touch drew cheers, and after the match he embraced family members and cried.

Neymar said, “I am very happy to wear the national team shirt again after three years.” He added, “I feel good physically. Of course it was hard to be away from the pitch for so long.” Vinicius Junior, who scored twice, called the comeback significant and said, “Our idol is back.” Matheus Cunha added the third goal. Brazil’s win followed a 0-0 draw with Morocco and victories over Haiti and Scotland, leaving it with a strong group stage finish.

Vinicius became only the fifth Brazilian player to score in all three group-stage matches at a World Cup, following Jairzinho in 1970, Romario in 1994, and Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002. In each of those previous four cases, Brazil went on to win the tournament. Coach Carlo Ancelotti praised the team and Vinicius, saying it was “a more complete game” and calling the forward one of the world’s best players.