FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil star Neymar is set to miss his team's opening FIFA World Cup group-stage match against Morocco on Sunday (IST 3.30 am). Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that the superstar forward could miss the entire group phase as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.
Ancelotti, while speaking before Saturday's (UTC) matchup against the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists in New Jersey, said Neymar is making progress but is not ready to return yet.
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"He is working hard to be fit again as quickly as possible. We hope he can return to full training next week," Ancelotti said.
Brazil also faces Haiti on June 19 and Scotland on June 24 in Group F. However, the coach did not guarantee Neymar's availability for either game.
Neymar Sidelined By A Calf Injury
Earlier, Neymar did not travel to Cleveland with Brazil's World Cup team for its exhibition tuneup against Egypt. The Brazilian Football Confederation said the 34-year-old forward would remain in New Jersey to undergo treatment.
The team doctor said that Neymar was expected to be sidelined two to three weeks because of a calf injury. Picking Neymar for the 26-player roster was considered a risk because of his health. He is Brazil's all-time leading goal scorer with 79, but has struggled since returning from tearing the ACL in his left knee in October 2023 in a World Cup qualifier.
"He can still improve his fitness until the first match of the World Cup," Ancelotti said last month. He has experience in this kind of competition, the love of our group, he can create a better environment in this group.
Neymar has played eight matches for Santos FC this year and has four goals and two assists. FIFA rules allow an injured player to be replaced up to one day before a team's first game at the tournament. If he plays, this would be Neymar's fourth World Cup.
(With Agencies Inputs)