Burley Skeptical of Neymar’s Impact as Brazil Edge Past Scotland

Craig Burley, ESPN’s resident football pundit, has thrown cold water on Neymar’s role in Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland in their Group C opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a match hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

“Can he actually come on and influence a game against better players?” Burley asked pointedly, voicing growing concerns about the 34-year-old star’s ability to shift momentum when introduced in crunch moments against elite opposition.

Vinícius Júnior gave Brazil the breakthrough early, firing home Brazil's first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a clinical finish that set the tone for a tightly contested affair. The win keeps Brazil top of Group C, but it’s not the result that’s dominating conversation — it’s the debate around Neymar’s relevance in high-pressure scenarios.

Despite the clean sheet and three points, Burley’s comments underscore a wider unease among pundits: as Brazil turn their attention to tougher opponents in the knockout phase, questions remain about whether the veteran forward still possesses the cutting edge needed to make a difference when it matters most.