Neymar Returns to Full Training, Boosting Brazil Ahead of Crucial Scotland Clash

New Jersey, June 2026 : Brazil have received a major boost in their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with star forward Neymar returning to full training ahead of their decisive Group C encounter against Scotland.

The 34-year-old Santos striker completed his first full training session with the Brazilian squad since the team assembled in Teresópolis near Rio de Janeiro on May 27. Neymar had been sidelined at the start of the tournament after suffering a Grade 2 calf strain, limiting his participation in preparations and forcing him to miss Brazil’s opening matches.

After gradually resuming training activities last week, the veteran attacker has now fully rejoined the squad, raising hopes that he could make his first World Cup appearance of the tournament when Brazil face Scotland in Miami on Wednesday.

Expressing his delight at the milestone, Neymar shared photos and videos from the training ground on social media platform X, writing: “Thank you, God, I’m so incredibly happy!”

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Friday that Neymar had recovered sufficiently from the injury and would be included in the matchday squad for the final group-stage fixture. While it remains unclear whether he will start the match, his availability is expected to provide a significant psychological and tactical advantage for the five-time world champions.

Midfielder Lucas Paqueta highlighted Neymar’s importance to the national team and welcomed his return.

“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. We hope to see him back on the field helping the team as soon as possible.”

Neymar underwent medical imaging tests last week, and the results reportedly showed encouraging progress in his recovery. The Brazilian medical staff subsequently cleared him to participate fully in training sessions.

The forward remains one of the most influential players in Brazil’s football history. He is the country’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances and has been a central figure in the national team for more than a decade.

Notably, Neymar has not represented Brazil in a competitive match since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in October 2023, making his potential return even more significant.

Earlier in the tournament, Neymar suggested that the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be the final chapter of his illustrious career. The veteran forward responded emotionally to a FIFA social media tribute that reflected on his journey from a teenage prodigy to one of football’s global icons.

Brazil currently sit at the top of Group C with four points, edging second-placed Morocco on goal difference. Scotland are third with three points, while Haiti remain at the bottom without a point.

With qualification for the knockout stage still at stake, Neymar’s return could prove decisive as Brazil seek to secure first place in the group and strengthen their bid for a record-extending sixth World Cup title.

Team Maverick