Neymar Returns in Tears as Brazil Reach World Cup Knockouts
Brazil secured a 3-0 win over Scotland to finish as Group C winners and qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage. Neymar made his first World Cup appearance in 981 days after injury setbacks and admitted he cried alone in the dressing room after the emotional return.
The 34-year-old, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, marked his fourth World Cup appearance.
In the FIFA World Cup 2026, Brazil secured their place in the knockout stage with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Scotland, finishing as Group C winners. While the result was important, the match carried special significance for Neymar, who made his long awaited return to the Brazilian national team after 981 days. The 34 year old forward had not played for Brazil since 2023 after suffering a serious knee injury in October of that year.
His comeback journey became even more difficult when a calf injury ruled him out of Brazil's opening two matches of the tournament. Despite concerns over his fitness and place in the squad, Neymar finally returned to action against Scotland and received a warm reception from supporters, who chanted his name throughout the occasion. Following the victory, Neymar revealed that the emotional moment overwhelmed him. He admitted that after the match he went alone to the dressing room and cried, describing the experience as a huge relief and expressing gratitude for being able to represent Brazil again on football's biggest stage.
Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals, Neymar has now played in 4 World Cups, recording 8 goals and 4 assists since making his tournament debut in 2014. Reflecting on his return, he said the team feels different after such a long absence but expressed happiness at once again wearing the famous Brazilian jersey. Brazil will now face the runners up of Group F in Houston in the Round of 16.