Neymar returns to play for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup

 Neymar played again for Brazil, coming on during the 2026 World Cup match on Wednesday night. His return after the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered in October 2023 and the calf injury that eliminated him from the first two group matches aroused great emotions among the fans. Carlo Ancelotti's decision to call up Neymar for the tournament was widely commented on. Neymar, beloved by teammates including Vinicius Junior, replaced Matheus Cunha with about 15 minutes left in regular time. In doing so, he became the fourth player in the history of the Brazilian national team to play in four World Cups, joining legends such as Pele, Cafu and Djalma Santos. Ancelotti stressed that Neymar deserved his chance thanks to his hard work and professionalism during his rehabilitation. Even though Brazil was leading 3-0 and Neymar was not in his best form, his presence on the pitch was important for the team. Vinicius Junior expressed his enthusiasm about Neymar's return, highlighting his influence on the team. Ancelotti, known for his ability to keep his cool, knows that keeping his players happy is the key to success. If Neymar manages to shine at the tournament, the decision to return will prove to be a good one. Alternatively, in the event of another injury or lack of impact on the game, the criticism may increase. However, as Ancelotti pointed out, there is no room for speculation. His decisions are based on confidence in Neymar's ability to benefit the team. --- ## Related Articles 1. [How to Watch South Korea vs. Mexico in 2026 World Cup: TV and Streaming Info](https://pitchpulsemedia.com/en/news/how-to-watch-south-korea-vs-mexico-in-2026-world-cup-tv-and-streaming-info) 2. [World Cup 2026](https://azkalsgoal.com/fil/news/mula-sa-selebrasyon-hanggang-takot-canada-nagwagi-laban-sa-qatar-pero-nawalan-kina-kone)