Miami: Brazil have received a major boost ahead of their final Group C fixture at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with star forward Neymar returning to full training after recovering from injury.
The 34-year-old Santos forward completed his first full training session with the Brazilian squad since the team assembled in Teresopolis near Rio de Janeiro on May 27. Neymar had been sidelined since the start of the tournament due to a grade two calf strain but has now made a successful recovery.
Sharing his excitement on social media platform X, Neymar posted images from training and wrote: “Thank you, God, I’m so incredibly happy!”
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Friday that Neymar has recovered from the injury and will be included in the matchday squad for Wednesday’s crucial Group C encounter against Scotland in Miami.
The return of Brazil’s all-time leading scorer has lifted the mood within the squad. Midfielder Lucas Paqueta praised Neymar’s comeback, describing him as a key figure for the national team.
“We’re all pleased about Neymar’s return,” Paqueta told reporters. “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.”
Medical assessments conducted last week reportedly showed satisfactory progress in Neymar’s recovery, paving the way for his return to competitive action.
Neymar has not featured for Brazil since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in October 2023. Despite the lengthy absence, he remains Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances.
The veteran forward has also indicated that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will likely be the final tournament of his illustrious international career. Neymar recently responded to a FIFA social media tribute featuring highlights of his journey with the message suggesting the tournament could be his last on the global stage.
Brazil currently tops Group C with four points and leads Morocco on goal difference. Scotland sits third with three points, while Haiti remains at the bottom of the table without a point.
With qualification to the knockout stage still at stake, Neymar’s return could prove decisive as the five-time world champions seek to secure their place in the next round.
