First Time Since October 2023…! Neymar Makes Sensational Brazil Return Vs Scotland

Last Updated:June 25, 2026, 05:53 IST

The clash witnessed the return of the celebrated Brazilian dazzler Neymar, who made his first bow for the Selecao in over two years for Carlo Ancelotti and Co.

Brazil’s Neymar (10) reacts as he takes the field during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Scotland and Brazil in Miami Gardens, Fla., Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Brazil sealed top spot in Group C at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with their showing against Scotland at Miami Stadium in the United States on Thursday, concluding their group-stage campaign in impressive fashion.

The clash witnessed the return of the celebrated Brazilian dazzler Neymar, who made his first bow for the Selecao in over two years for Carlo Ancelotti and Co.

Vinicius Junior starred for the Seleção with two goals, while Matheus Cunha added a third to complete a convincing triumph that ensured Brazil finished first in the group. The achievement marked the 12th occasion that Brazil have topped their group at the World Cup.

The Real Madrid winger also etched his name into Brazilian football history. By scoring in each of Brazil’s three group-stage matches, Vinicius became the first Brazilian since Rivaldo and Ronaldo at the 2002 World Cup to accomplish the feat. He now joins an exclusive company that includes Brazilian greats Romário and Jairzinho.

Vinicius began his tournament scoring run by netting Brazil’s only goal in a 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opening Group C encounter. He then added another in a 3-0 win over Haiti before continuing his hot streak against Scotland. In Brazil’s final group match, he calmly rounded Scottish goalkeeper Angus Gunn and slotted the ball into an empty net to make it three goals in three games.

The forward thought he had extended his tally moments later, but the goal was ruled out after he was judged to have fouled Jack Hendry during the build-up, catching the defender’s leg before taking possession.

However, Vinicius was not to be denied. Deep into first-half stoppage time, he doubled his tally for the evening by meeting a delivery at the far post and directing a header into the net, sending Brazil’s supporters into celebration.

There is also an intriguing historical trend attached to his achievement. On every previous occasion that a Brazilian player has scored in all three of the nation’s group-stage matches at a World Cup, Brazil have gone on to win the tournament—a record that remains unbroken.

Elsewhere in Group C, Morocco secured second place and a berth in the knockout rounds thanks to a 3-2 victory over Haiti. Scotland finished third and still retained hopes of progressing as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams. Haiti ended the group at the bottom of the standings and were eliminated from the World Cup being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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