Neymar returns for Brazil as Rice and Pulisic race to be fit for World Cup knockouts

Neymar ended his World Cup 2026 injury absence by coming off the bench in Brazil’s final Group C match against Scotland, offering Carlo Ancelotti hope that the 34-year-old can contribute during the knockout rounds. The veteran forward had been sidelined with a calf problem that emerged just three weeks before the tournament began.

Whether Neymar will be fit enough to start in the knockouts — or whether Ancelotti will prefer younger options — remains unclear, but his tearful cameo as Brazil sealed top spot in Group C was a significant step forward.

England are monitoring Declan Rice ahead of their final group-stage game against Panama on Saturday. The midfielder was substituted on 72 minutes during England’s opening 4-2 win over Croatia with discomfort in his lower back and hamstring, yet still played the full 90 minutes plus added time in the subsequent 0-0 draw with Ghana. He was then spotted limping through the mixed zone with bandaging on his calf, leaving England’s medical staff with questions to answer as the Three Lions chase top spot in Group L.

Christian Pulisic is edging closer to a return for the United States after missing their win over Australia with a calf injury sustained in the first half of their opening 4-1 victory against Paraguay in Los Angeles. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino had withdrawn the captain at half-time, later saying it had been “impossible for him today to play” and stressing that the team would need Pulisic fully available if they were to go deep in the competition.

Pulisic himself struck a cautiously optimistic tone ahead of the USA’s final group game against Turkey, saying he felt “great” and was hoping to play a part. “I’ll discuss that with my coaches and the medical staff,” he said, acknowledging that a full 90 minutes on his return was unlikely. “Obviously not a good chance I’ll probably go and play 90 right away after you come back and miss a game.”

The United States have already secured their place in the knockout stages, giving Pochettino the option of managing Pulisic’s workload carefully before the pressure of the round of 16.