No side has suffered more at Neymar’s hands. He has scored nine goals against Japan, with Peru (six) next on his list, followed by Bolivia, Ecuador and the USA (five each).

Following a hectic 17-day schedule featuring 72 group-stage matches, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is finally entering its business end, as hosts Canada take on South Africa in the opening Round of 32 match at Los Angeles Stadium tonight. 

If not Neymar, then who? The answer to that question, often asked whenever doubts emerge around Brazil, is being delivered by Vinicius Junior at this World Cup -- perhaps without the attention he deserves, but certainly with greater conviction than ever before.

"I went to the locker room, all alone, and I shed a few tears," Neymar told reporters after Brazil finished top of Group C.

Ancelotti's decision to recall Neymar for the World Cup was controversial, but while Vinicius is around, the wily Italian knows the thirtysomething is simply another option up front rather than the main one he was for so long.

From Vinicius’ clinical finishing to Cunha’s joyful celebration and Neymar’s emotional comeback, Brazil delivered a memorable evening of football and flair.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti made one change to face Scotland in Wednesday's final World Cup Group C match from the team that beat Haiti 3-0, with forward Rayan replacing injured winger Raphinha. The Scots made four changes.

While fans are eager to witness his undeniable quality back on the international stage, team management faces a delicate balancing act to manage his workload.

Carlo Ancelotti has delivered an encouraging update on Neymar ahead of Brazil's decisive World Cup group-stage clash against Scotland, declaring the veteran forward fully fit and ready to play after recovering from a calf injury.

When coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed last week that Neymar would be available for Hexa-chasing Brazil’s final Group C game against Scotland in Miami on Thursday morning, the news likely felt sweeter than ever for Selecao fans.

Neymar, an outspoken supporter of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has been recovering from a calf injury for a month and has yet to play at the World Cup.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Saturday that Neymar will be available for their final Group C match against Scotland at the World Cup.

Brazil forward Neymar, who was diagnosed with a right calf injury in late May, trained at the World Cup for the first time Tuesday in a sign he may be nearing a return.

Sports can be very cruel. Often, it is the final image that leaves the deepest imprint on fans’ minds.

Brazil superstar Neymar could miss the remainder of the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as he continues his recovery from a calf injury, according to a report by ESPN.

Romanticism, Samba nostalgia, and the weight of a record five World Cup titles -- all of it met a sobering dose of reality as Brazil began their Hexa campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco at the New York-New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

Brazil's all-time record scorer is said to be "recovering well" and will hope to play a part for Carlo Ancelotti's side in the United States.

Brazil's all-time record scorer underwent an MRI scan on Monday which showed he is "making good progress in his treatment" amid hopes that he will be able to play a part for Carlo Ancelotti's side in the United States.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti is in no hurry to rush star forward Neymar back from his calf injury, the Italian said on Tuesday as his team touched down in the United States ahead of the World Cup.

Neymar's inclusion in Ancelotti's 26-man squad for the World Cup was something of a surprise as he had not been picked for the national team in almost three years due to a mixture of injuries and poor form.