Neymar makes World Cup debut for Brazil in first appearance since 2023
World Cup attendance on track for record highs
Reuters reporter Nicholas P. Brown joins LiveNOW's Shawna Khalafi to discuss how the U.S. is on track to break World Cup attendance records.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - Neymar finally made his long-awaited return on Wednesday, playing for the Brazil team in this year’s World Cup.
The move gives the five-time champions one of their biggest stars back just as the tournament enters its knockout rounds.
Neymar makes World Cup 2026 debut for Brazil
Big picture view:
The 34-year-old forward came off the bench in the 76th minute of Brazil’s comfortable 3-0 victory over Scotland, marking his first appearance for the national team since 2023. Brazil won by that score.
Neymar of Brazil is seen during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Scotland and Brazil at Miami Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Miami, United States. (Credit: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
His return had been anticipated throughout the week after Brazil confirmed he had recovered from a right calf injury that ruled him out of the opening two matches.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti had hinted that Neymar would likely feature as a substitute rather than start, a plan that unfolded exactly as expected. Still, the roar from supporters inside Hard Rock Stadium showed just how much his comeback meant.
What they're saying:
"I’m very happy to be wearing the national team jersey again after three years," Neymar told Brazilian media, following an emotional embrace with his family before he left the field. "I feel fine physically. Obviously, it was tough being sidelined for all those days."
He also acknowledged the reaction from the Brazil fans.
"It was a mix of emotions when I came on, because it had been a long time away from the national team," he said. "Thank God everything went well and I was able to return."
Neymar’s injury
The backstory:
Neymar’s injury had sidelined him for more than a month, extending a difficult period that began after he suffered a serious ACL injury in October 2023. Since returning to action, questions about his form and place in the national team have followed him closely.
He went through a training session on Sunday, one of the final hurdles before he could get into this World Cup.
Neymar is Brazil’s career scoring leader with 79 goals in 130 international appearances. The 34-year-old appeared in each of the past three World Cups for Brazil, scoring eight goals.
How to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026
What's next:
Outside of watching FOX on live broadcast TV, there are several options audiences can choose from to enjoy the soccer matches.
One free option is through FIFA+ and select YouTube streams.
Other paid options include:
- FOX One
- FOX Sports 1
- Fubo
- YouTube TV
- FOX Sports app
- Hulu+ LiveTV
- Peacock (Spanish-language)
How to watch Team USA's FIFA World Cup 2026 matches
- Thursday, June 25, 2026: USA vs Türkiye Live Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California (7 p.m. PT/ 10 p.m. ET)
FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is an expanded 48-team tournament featuring 104 matches taking place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 48 teams are divided into 12 groups of four with each team playing its group stage opponents for a total of three first-round games per side.
When is the FIFA World Cup 2026 final?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 final will take place July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the culmination of a month-long tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Source: This story was reported from Los Angeles. The Associated Press, previous FOX Local reporting contributed.