Neymar's Impact on Brazil's World Cup Journey

Neymar hasn’t kicked a ball at this World Cup yet, but he’s already changed the temperature inside 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 been limited to training-ground cameos so far. Even so, his return to full sessions has given the Seleção a jolt just as the group stage reaches its decisive turn.

Lucas Paqueta, speaking on Sunday, made it clear how much that presence matters.

“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,” he told reporters. “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.”

For a squad still searching for rhythm after an uneven start, that kind of figure looming back into view is no small thing. Neymar’s next step is medical, not emotional: being passed fit to play would open the door to his first competitive appearance for Brazil since 2023, and potentially give the team a different dimension just as the stakes rise.

Lift from Neymar, void from Raphinha

The optimism around Neymar is balanced by a harsher reality on the other flank. Raphinha, the Barcelona winger who has become a key outlet for this Brazil side, remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

His absence has already altered the team’s attacking patterns. Without the former Leeds United man stretching the game and driving at full-backs, Brazil have lost some of their natural width and tempo in the final third. Whether he will feature again at this tournament is unclear, and that uncertainty hangs over the group like a cloud.

Inside the camp, the response has been to close ranks around him.

“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,” Paqueta 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.”

One talisman edging back, another stuck in the treatment room. Brazil’s forward line is being rebuilt on the fly, with the staff juggling minutes, roles and expectations as the tournament tightens.

No room for comfort against Scotland

On paper, Brazil look secure. Four points from two games, top of Group C, and a pedigree that needs no introduction. The table, though, tells only part of the story.

Morocco are level on points and face already eliminated Haiti in the other fixture. If Brazil slip, they can be punished. Victory is the only way to guarantee they stay at the summit and control their route into the knockout rounds.

Next up is Scotland at Miami Stadium, and Paqueta wanted no suggestion that this is a formality. For Steve Clarke’s side, this is a shot at history: a result against Brazil would likely send them into the last 16 for the first time ever.

“All the teams at the World Cup deserve respect. You have to study them and prepare as best as possible to face them,” the former West Ham midfielder 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.”

That is the balance Brazil are trying to strike: respect without fear, confidence without arrogance. They know Scotland will arrive with edge and energy, aware that one big night could rewrite their footballing story.

Fine-tuning before the real tests

Two games in, this Brazil side has shown flashes rather than full performances. A tense draw with Morocco, a more comfortable but not flawless win over Haiti. The football has been functional, not yet ferocious.

Inside the camp, the message is clear: now is the time to sharpen everything. Movements. Pressing. Decision-making in the final third. This is the last chance to iron out the creases before the knockout rounds strip away any margin for error.

Neymar’s potential return folds into that narrative. If he’s declared fit, he doesn’t just add stardust; he forces opponents to defend differently, to shift their lines, to think twice before stepping out. If he isn’t, Brazil must show they can still impose themselves without their most decorated current star.

Top spot in Group C, a place in the last 16, the rhythm of a contender – all of it hangs on what happens in Miami, where Brazil must decide whether this is just another campaign, or the moment they finally start to look like five-time champions again.