Neymar's Impact on Brazil's World Cup Campaign

Neymar hasn’t kicked a ball at this World Cup yet, but he’s still changing the mood 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 been confined to the training pitch. Even there, though, his presence has lifted a group trying to steady itself after an uneven start and lock down top spot in Group C.

Lucas Paqueta, speaking on Sunday, made it clear how much that return to the grass means inside the dressing room.

“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 now, that contribution is emotional, not tactical. Brazil sit on four points, level with Morocco, and still searching for rhythm. The knockout rounds are coming fast. So is the decision on whether Neymar is ready for his first competitive appearance for his country since 2023.

Lift from Neymar, hole from Raphinha

The optimism around Neymar is balanced by a more sobering reality on the opposite flank. Raphinha, the Barcelona winger who had become a key part of the Selecao’s attacking structure, is out with a hamstring injury.

His absence cuts into Brazil’s width and their ability to stretch teams. It also comes with a cloud of uncertainty: there is no clarity yet on whether he will play again at this tournament.

Paqueta underlined how much the group has rallied 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,” the Flamengo ace 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.”

So Brazil train with their biggest star edging closer to fitness, while one of their most reliable wide outlets watches from the treatment room. It’s the fine balance that often defines a World Cup campaign.

No room for arrogance against Scotland

Next up is Scotland at Miami Stadium, a fixture that carries weight for both sides.

Brazil, five-time world champions and group leaders, still haven’t fully convinced. Scotland, chasing a first-ever appearance in the knockout stages, know that a positive result against the South Americans could rewrite their history at this tournament.

There is a clear gap in pedigree. Paqueta wants no gap in attitude.

“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 explained. “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.”

Respect, yes. Complacency, no. Scotland have belief, energy, and a coach in Steve Clarke who has turned them into a stubborn, organised unit. Brazil have the badge, the talent, and the expectation that comes with both.

Group C on a knife-edge

The table leaves no margin for drifting through this one. Brazil top Group C with four points, but Morocco are right there with them and face already eliminated Haiti in the other game. Anything less than victory in Miami could see the Selecao surrender control of the group.

That reality sharpens every decision. How much risk do they take with Neymar’s fitness? How do they compensate for Raphinha’s absence on the right? Can they turn flashes of quality into a full 90 minutes worthy of contenders?

The answers will start to emerge under the Florida lights. If Neymar is finally passed fit and steps onto the pitch, it won’t just be another team sheet tweak. It will be the return of Brazil’s talisman to the World Cup stage, at the precise moment when their campaign starts to walk the tightrope.