Neymar returns from 20-month absence as South Africa stun South Korea at World Cup

Neymar stepped onto a football pitch for Brazil for the first time since October 2023 on Wednesday, making a substitute appearance against Scotland in Miami on Match Day 14 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a day that also saw South Africa produce one of the tournament’s biggest upsets by eliminating South Korea from Group A.

Neymar and Ochoa steal the headlines

The sight of Brazil’s No. 10 entering the field in Miami drew a thunderous reception from the crowd. Brazil had already secured the result before Neymar came on, and the team did not add to the scoreline after his introduction, but his presence alone carried a weight that lifted the occasion beyond the scoreline.

Later in the evening, in Mexico City, veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa received an emotional standing ovation when he came on in the 78th minute of Mexico’s win over Czechia. The appearance was Ochoa’s 153rd for El Tri and, by all indications, his last. It was a fitting farewell for one of Mexican football’s most enduring figures.

South Africa’s stunning upset seals Group A

The result that will define the day came when South Africa defeated South Korea to advance from Group A, ending the Koreans’ tournament. It was among the most significant upsets of the competition so far and confirmed Switzerland as group winners after their victory over Canada.

Bosnia step closer to the knockout stage

Bosnia and Herzegovina moved firmly into contention for a round-of-32 place with a win over Qatar. The goal of the day came from Alajbegović, who collected the ball, beat a defender with a sharp turn, and drove a precise strike past Qatari goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada — a finish that ranked among the tournament’s finest so far.

Canada encouraged despite Switzerland defeat

Switzerland sealed Group A with a win over Canada, but the Canadians gave themselves reason for optimism heading into the knockout rounds. Trailing 2-0 early in the second half, William Saliba produced a moment of individual quality — controlling a lofted pass near the edge of the box and laying it off perfectly for Promise David, who stretched to direct the ball into the net. Canada could not complete the comeback but finished second in Group B and will carry confidence into the round of 32.

Haiti’s Placide produces crucial double save

Haiti’s Johny Placide was another goalkeeper to emerge with credit on the day. After Haiti took a surprise early lead against Morocco — aided by an own goal from Yassine Bounou — Morocco pressed hard to level. In the 31st minute, Placide produced a stunning double save, first denying Achraf Hakimi and then repelling a follow-up from Ayoub El Kaabi, to keep Haiti ahead. Hakimi eventually scored in the 39th minute, but Placide’s intervention had been decisive in keeping Haiti in the contest.