Brazil star Neymar expressed strong confidence in his team's World Cup 2026 campaign after their commanding 3-0 victory over Scotland in a Group C fixture on Wednesday in Florida.
Neymar's Return and Team Unity
Speaking to reporters after the match, Neymar said the team is united and fully focused on achieving their target in the tournament. "I'm eager for it, not just me, but the whole team. The group wants to win. We know that if we unite and this 'desire' grows stronger and stronger, we have a great chance of achieving our goal," he said.
Neymar took the field for Brazil for the first time since 2023 as the 34-year-old came off the bench in the closing stages. He marked his return after recovering from a calf injury, having missed the first two Group C matches. This was his first appearance in the ongoing World Cup and his first action since October 2023, when he sustained a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. The injury ruled him out for an extended period and limited his involvement in Brazil's qualification campaign.
Milestone Appearance
Neymar entered the field in the 76th minute, substituting Matheus Cunha. The forward made his fourth FIFA World Cup appearance, completing a remarkable milestone in his international career. He has now featured in the 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 editions of the tournament.
Match Summary: Brazil Dominates Scotland
Brazil defeated Scotland 3-0 in their final Group C match, securing top spot in the group and advancing to the knockout stage alongside Morocco. Vinicius starred with a first-half brace, opening the scoring in the seventh minute and heading in his second just before half-time. Matheus Cunha added a third goal after the break.
The win saw Brazil dominate proceedings, with Scotland struggling to create clear chances despite a few late efforts. The match also marked a historic milestone for Vinicius, who became the first Brazilian in 24 years to score in each of the nation's first three World Cup matches, equalling the feat of Ronaldo Nazario and Rivaldo from 2002. He also became only the fifth Brazilian overall to achieve the record.
Brazil finished the group stage with seven points, while Scotland must now wait to see if their three-point tally is enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
