Neymar returns to full training, set for Brazil's FIFA WC 2026 Group C finale
Synopsis
Neymar is back. After missing Brazil's opening World Cup 2026 fixtures with a calf strain — and nearly two years out following an ACL rupture — Brazil's all-time top scorer has completed his first full training session and is set for the Group C finale against Scotland. At 34, with this confirmed as his last World Cup, the stakes could not be higher.
Key Takeaways
Neymar completed his first full training session with Brazil ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C finale against Scotland .
Manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Neymar has recovered from a grade two calf strain and will be in the matchday squad for the Miami fixture on Wednesday .
Neymar last played for Brazil in October 2023 , when he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament .
He is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances .
Brazil leads Group C with four points , ahead of Morocco on goal difference; Scotland is third with three points .
Neymar has indicated the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the final tournament of his international career.
Neymar has returned to full training with the Brazil squad ahead of their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match against Scotland in Miami on Wednesday, handing the five-time world champions a significant boost at a critical juncture of the tournament. The Santos forward completed his first full session since the squad assembled in Terespolis, near Rio de Janeiro, on 27 May.
Injury Recovery and Return
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Friday that the 34-year-old had recovered from a grade two calf strain and would be included in the matchday squad for Wednesday's clash. Neymar had partially resumed training the previous week, with imaging tests showing satisfactory progress on the injury. His return to full team drills marks the final step before a potential on-field comeback.
Neymar took to X to share glimpses of his training session, captioning the post: 'Thank you, God, I'm so incredibly happy!'
What Neymar's Return Means for Brazil
Brazil's all-time leading scorer — with 79 goals in 128 international appearances — has not featured for the Selecao since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in October 2023. His absence at the start of the tournament was a visible gap in Brazil's attacking options. Teammate and midfielder Lucas Paqueta underscored the psychological impact of the return.
'We're all pleased about Neymar's return,' Paqueta told reporters on Sunday. 'He's an extremely important player for our national team, someone with a wonderful history who can help us a lot. I hope he can be on the field helping us again as soon as possible.'
Group C Standings Ahead of Final Round
Brazil currently tops Group C with four points, with second-placed Morocco level on goal difference. Scotland sits third on three points, while Haiti is bottom having yet to register a point. The final group-stage fixture against Scotland in Miami will determine the shape of the knockout bracket for all four sides.
Neymar's Final World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is widely expected to be Neymar's last. He indicated as much in response to a FIFA social media post displaying images from his career alongside the words 'We've watched him grow up.' The statement added emotional weight to his recovery — and to Brazil's hopes of a record-extending sixth world title.
With qualification from Group C all but assured, the key question now is whether Ancelotti deploys Neymar from the start or eases him back through a substitute appearance against Scotland.
Point of View
As Paqueta's remarks made clear. But Ancelotti faces a genuine dilemma: deploying a player who has not featured competitively since October 2023 in a high-stakes group match carries real injury risk. The smarter play may be a controlled substitute appearance, preserving Neymar for the knockout rounds. The broader story is what his presence signals about Brazil's World Cup ambitions — this is a squad that has been waiting for him, not building without him.
NationPress
22 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Neymar recovered from his injury at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Yes. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Friday that Neymar has recovered from a grade two calf strain and will be included in the matchday squad for the Group C finale against Scotland in Miami. Imaging tests conducted last week showed satisfactory progress.
When is Brazil's final Group C match at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Brazil face Scotland on Wednesday in Miami in their final Group C fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Brazil currently lead the group with four points, ahead of Morocco on goal difference.
How long has Neymar been out of international football?
Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks his return to international competition after nearly two and a half years on the sidelines.
Is the 2026 FIFA World Cup Neymar's last?
Neymar has indicated that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the final tournament of his international career. He made the statement in response to a FIFA social media post that displayed images from his career with the caption 'We've watched him grow up.'
What is Neymar's international scoring record?
Neymar is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances, making him the most prolific player in the Selecao's history.
