Neymar returns as Brazil tops World Cup group with 3-0 win over Scotland

Vinícius Júnior scored twice and Matheus Cunha added a third as Brazil dismantled Scotland 3-0 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Wednesday night, securing top spot in Group C and advancing to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.U.S. News & World Report+2

Vinícius Júnior leads the rout

The Real Madrid forward opened the scoring in the seventh minute after a defensive error from Scott McKenna gifted him an early chance. Vinícius struck again just before halftime to make it 2-0, before Cunha sealed the victory in the 60th minute. Vinícius has now scored in all three of Brazil's group matches, taking his tournament tally to four goals — level with France's Kylian Mbappé and one behind leader Lionel Messi.France 24+2

Brazil reached the knockout rounds for the 15th consecutive World Cup.CFJC Today Kamloops

Neymar's long-awaited comeback

The moment Brazilian fans had been waiting for arrived in the 76th minute when Neymar entered the match as a substitute for Cunha, marking his first appearance for his country in 981 days. The 34-year-old had not played for Brazil since a match against Uruguay in October 2023, when he suffered an ACL tear that derailed his career. He was included in Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man squad in May but missed Brazil's opening wins over Morocco and Haiti due to a calf strain sustained during pre-tournament training.espn+3

"He is fit and able, ready to play," Ancelotti had said on Tuesday. Neymar's cameo was his 14th World Cup appearance, adding to a career record of eight goals and four assists in the tournament.The Hindu+1

Scotland's anxious wait

For Scotland, competing in their first World Cup since 1998, the defeat leaves their fate uncertain. Steve Clarke's side finished third in Group C with three points and a goal difference of minus three, earned from their opening 1-0 win over Haiti. Their progression to the last 32 — which would be a historic first — now depends on results elsewhere, with 12 of the 16 third-placed teams advancing to the knockout rounds. Scotland need at least four other third-placed teams to finish with fewer points or a worse goal difference.Planet Football+2