Neymar Draws the Spotlight in Brazil's World Cup Opener

Neymar may no longer be the undisputed centerpiece of Brazil, but he still stole the show as the team opened its 2026 World Cup campaign. The 14 June 2026 report says the star, who has returned to Santos and was not fully fit, did not play in Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco, yet remained the biggest attraction at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Before kickoff, Neymar was greeted on the bench by two major celebrities. NFL legend Tom Brady arrived in person with hip-hop artist Travis Scott, and the pair shook his hand and asked how he was doing. The moment quickly became one of the night’s most talked-about scenes around Brazil’s debut.

After the match, Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi also approached Neymar, spoke with him, and gave him his shirt. The article says Neymar once again managed to dominate attention despite not stepping onto the field.

The piece frames the episode as a reminder of Neymar’s enduring star power, even as his role with Brazil has changed and his fitness remains incomplete.