Neymar has become the center of attention ahead of Brazil’s Group C Matchday 3 clash against Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being named among the substitutes by Carlo Ancelotti. The question now is whether fans will finally see the Brazilian superstar make his tournament debut.

THE MAIN ATTRACTION IN MIAMI

The Brazilian star has become the center of attention at the home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.

He arrived with a serious and focused demeanor, while fans inside the stadium are eagerly hoping to see him take the field. With his face displayed across the stands, he is once again the player to watch.

The forward continues to train despite being expected to be used as an impact substitute, raising the question: will he be called upon to lead the Seleção in this decisive clash?

Brazil are fighting for top spot in Group C, meaning there is no room for risk. Would it be too dangerous to include him under these circumstances?

It is worth remembering that Neymar was the big surprise in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad, arriving at this World Cup more for his legacy than for his current form on the pitch.

HOPE OF SEEING THE LEGEND

After missing Brazil’s second group-stage match — a 3-0 win over Haiti in Philadelphia, following a recovery period in New York — Neymar stepped up his preparation in hopes of featuring in this crucial clash at Miami Stadium.

He was seen arriving with the squad at the home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, but will once again start on the bench, just as he did in Brazil’s opening 1-1 draw against Morocco in New Jersey, where it was already clear he was not in contention for minutes.

This time, however, the situation is different, as he is fully available to Carlo Ancelotti, despite earlier projections suggesting his return could come against Haiti.

“Neymar is fine, he’s training, he’s ready, he can play, and I’m very happy with him,” the Italy coach of the Selecao said when asked about the Brazilian No. 10’s fitness and whether he could complete 90 minutes — a player many expected to start this match.

THE OTHER REALITY 

Yet Ancelotti’s comments, combined with Neymar’s place among the substitutes, suggest there is no guarantee he will see the field against Scotland.

The Brazilian icon has not played a competitive match since May 17, 2026, when he suffered a Grade II calf injury while representing Santos in a Brazilian league match against Coritiba.

For the national team, Neymar has not appeared since the serious injury he sustained against Uruguay in a South American World Cup qualifier on October 17, 2023.

His last World Cup appearance came on December 9, 2022, in the quarterfinals of Qatar 2022, when Croatia eliminated Brazil in a penalty shootout. Nearly four years later, supporters are still waiting to see him return to football’s biggest stage.

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