Neymar ‘Working from Home’ Brazil President Lula Takes Dig at Star Player Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 Clash Against Scotland (Watch Video)
Brazil President Lula da Silva playfully mocked Neymar as a 'home office player' ahead of the star's anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 debut against Scotland on June 24. Neymar, 34, is set to return from a calf injury for the crucial Group C clash at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami (6:00 PM EDT), while winger Raphinha faces uncertainty after a new hamstring setback.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has sparked social media debate after playfully mocking national team forward Neymar, labelling him the world’s first "home office player" due to his ongoing injury issues at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The light-hearted remarks came shortly before Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that the 34-year-old forward is finally on track to make his tournament debut in a decisive Group C fixture against Scotland. Neymar Fit for Brazil vs Scotland FIFA World Cup 2026 Clash as Coach Carlo Ancelotti Confirms Star Player's Return
Brazil President Lula da Silva's on Neymar
🚨 INSANE! 🤯
🇧🇷 A conversation between Lula, President of Brazil, and a Brazilian kid:
🗣️ Lula: “Who’s Brazil’s best player?”
🗣️ Kid: “Neymar!”
🗣️ Lula: “Neymar is the first player called up to the World Cup who does HOME OFFICE!”
🎥 @brunoguzzo pic.twitter.com/WMHqS0wBM5
— Polymarket FC (@PolymarketFC) June 19, 2026
President Lula's 'Home Office' Dig
Speaking at an official government event in Belo Horizonte on Friday, 19 June, President Lula engaged in a witty exchange with a young boy in the crowd. When the child named Neymar as Brazil's top footballer, the president quickly pointed out the star's absence from the pitch during the opening matches of the tournament in North America.
'Neymar isn't even playing, dude,' Lula joked, drawing laughter from the audience. 'I saw something on the internet yesterday saying that Neymar is the world's first home office call-up. A home office player.' The president added with a smile that football might eventually need to rely on Artificial Intelligence to 'create a team of 11 Pelés.' FIFA World Cup 2026 Points Table: Mexico, USA Maintain Perfect Records; Canada, Brazil Lead Tight Group Races.
Decisive Group C Showdown
The upcoming match against Scotland is pivotal for Brazil's progression in the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Match Details:
| Teams | Competition | Stage | Date | Kick-off (EDT) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil vs. Scotland | FIFA World Cup 2026 | Group C Matchday 3 | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida |
Brazil, the five-time World Cup champions, will be hoping that Neymar's return can spark their campaign and overcome the challenge posed by Scotland, as they aim to solidify their position in Group C and advance to the knockout stages.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 20, 2026 03:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
