MUNDIAL 2026 | Neymar, the spark Brazil need to ignite their campaign? | OneFootball

Brazil were held by Morocco in their World Cup opener in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and flashes from Vinicius alone did not suffice. Attention now turns to Neymar for a possible lift from the bench.

He sat with the substitutes at MetLife Stadium, still not ready to play as he recovers from a muscle injury sustained on 17 May with Santos after his call-up by Carlo Ancelotti. According to Agencia EFE, many supporters still regard him as Brazil’s leading figure and believe even 15 or 20 minutes could tilt a match.

In a side featuring Vinicius and Raphinha, Neymar continues to make a difference off the pitch. He drew loud acclaim when shown on the big screens, and the much-discussed ‘Último baile’ has gripped Brazil, his presence adding media pull and a unifying spark.

He cut a distinctive figure and drew the photographers’ lenses throughout. After the game he asked Morocco goalkeeper Bono for his shirt, a moment that drew notice given he was once routinely the one receiving such requests.

He did not feature against Morocco, but he could return for late minutes against Haiti if the score is favourable. Ancelotti knows he is not ready to start, and after the draw he is probably not in line to begin the final group match against Scotland either. Whether Neymar can provide the extra push Brazil need remains an open question.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo