Brazil's Neymar Jr. to make World Cup debut vs. Scotland after missing first two games with injury

After Brazil's dominant 3-0 win over Haiti, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti announced that A Seleção star Neymar Jr. would be available to return for the team's final group-stage match against Scotland.

The longtime Brazil national team star was sidelined to begin this summer's World Cup after suffering a calf injury in May while playing for Santos FC in Brazil's Serie A. When he takes the field for the first time in this year's tournament, Neymar will be making his fourth World Cup appearance.

Here's the latest on Neymar Jr. and why he was unavailable for Brazil at the start of the 2026 World Cup.

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Brazil's Neymar Jr. to make World Cup debut vs. Scotland

On Saturday, Fabrizio Romano reported that the Brazilian star would officially be able to return to the pitch when Brazil plays its final group-stage match against Scotland. Neymar was held out of the team's first two games against Morocco and Haiti with a calf injury picked up in May during his club play with Santos FC.

"Neymar will train individually tomorrow, then Sunday back training with the team and then called up against Scotland," Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti said.

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Why did Neymar Jr. miss Brazil's first two games?

Despite being named to Brazil's final 26-player World Cup squad, Neymar did not feature in the opening matches after suffering a calf injury during Brazilian Serie A play with Santos FC. On May 17, Neymar suffered a grade two calf tear against Coritiba. He went on to miss Brazil's final friendlies before the World Cup, as well as the team's first two group-stage matches against Morocco and Haiti.

Neymar is now set to make his return for A Seleção for the first time since October 2023 when he takes the field against Scotland.

How old is Neymar Jr?

Neymar Jr. is 34 years old. The winger was born on February 5, 1992, in Mogi das Cruzes, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

He made his professional soccer debut on March 7, 2009, for Santos FC when he was only 17 years old.

Neymar Jr. career World Cup stats

Here are Neymar Jr.'s career stats at the World Cup for Brazil, according to ESPN: