Neymar's Impact on Brazil's World Cup Campaign
Neymar hasn’t kicked a ball at this World Cup yet, but he’s still changed the temperature of Brazil’s camp.
Left out of the matchday squads for the 1-1 draw with Morocco and the 3-0 win over Haiti, the No. 10 has done his work on the training pitch instead, where every touch, every sprint, has been watched closely by teammates desperate to see him back in full flight. With top spot in Group C on the line, his shadow looms large over Miami.
Neymar’s aura returns
For Lucas Paqueta, there was no disguising what Neymar’s presence means. Speaking on Sunday, the Flamengo playmaker made it clear the dressing room has been lifted by seeing their talisman back among them.
"We're all very happy to see him training and back on the pitch with us. Neymar is a very important player for the Brazilian national team," Paqueta said. "He has an extraordinary history with this shirt and he can still help us a lot. We're glad he's back and we hope he'll be available as soon as possible to contribute to the team."
No promises, no guarantees. But hope. If Neymar is passed fit, his first competitive appearance for Brazil since 2023 would arrive with the knockout rounds looming into view and the margin for error shrinking by the day.
Raphinha blow tempers optimism
The good news around Neymar is tempered by a significant loss on the other flank. Barcelona winger Raphinha, so often the outlet that stretches defences and gives Brazil their width and bite, remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
His absence has already cut into the Selecao’s attacking rhythm. The question now is not when he returns to the starting XI, but whether he plays again at this tournament at all. For the moment, uncertainty hangs over his World Cup.
Paqueta stressed the unity around his stricken teammate.
"Right now he has the support of the whole group. We're by his side and we'll do everything we can to help him during his recovery," he said. "He's a guy who works really hard and I'm sure he'll do everything possible to come back as soon as he can. As for his importance, there's not much more to add. He's coming off some extraordinary seasons and has grown a lot with the national team as well."
Brazil know what they are missing. A winger at full confidence, arriving from strong club seasons, now reduced to watching and waiting.
No room for arrogance against Scotland
On paper, five-time world champions against a nation that has never reached the knockout stages of a World Cup looks like a mismatch. Paqueta wanted no part of that narrative.
Brazil head into their clash at Miami Stadium top of Group C with four points, level with Morocco but ahead on goal difference. The equation is simple enough: win and they stay in control. Slip, and everything opens up, especially with Morocco facing already eliminated Haiti in the other game.
Complacency is the enemy here, not Scotland.
"All the teams at the World Cup deserve respect. You have to study them and prepare as best as possible to face them," Paqueta said. "We have great respect for Scotland, but we also know we need to play our game and follow what the coach asks of us. Regardless of the opponent, our goal in every match is to win."
Steve Clarke’s side arrive with history within reach. A positive result against Brazil would likely push Scotland into the knockouts for the first time, and they know this is their moment to swing above their weight.
Brazil, for all their pedigree, have not yet hit full stride. A draw against Morocco, a comfortable but expected win over Haiti: solid, not spectacular. The group table flatters no one at this stage. One bad night, and a campaign can tilt.
So the Selecao walk into Miami Stadium with a familiar tension. Neymar close, but not yet certain. Raphinha out, but still fighting to return. A place in the last 16 within reach, yet not secure.
This is the edge where World Cups are won or lost.
