Brazil's star player Neymar will be on the bench but not in kit for his country's 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C opener against Morocco at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, June 13.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the 34-year-old will support his teammates from the sidelines in sneakers as he continues recovering from a grade two calf injury.
The news comes as Brazil, five-time World Cup champions, kick off their campaign against a formidable Morocco side that reached the semifinals in 2022. Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, has been a major story throughout the build-up due to persistent fitness concerns. He has not featured for the national team since 2023 and missed recent warm-up matches.
Emotional Message from Neymar
Neymar took to social media to express his gratitude,
posting: "Thank you, my GOD … thank you for letting me live this once again.
Obrigado meu DEUS … obrigado por me fazer viver isso mais uma vez 💙💚💛🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/4VWJZdxzfw
- Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) June 13, 2026
Neymar has described making the 2026 squad as one of the hardest achievements of his career. Despite injury, coach Carlo Ancelotti kept him in the squad and he has travelled with the team as well.
Ancelotti's Plan and Team Impact
Ancelotti stated Neymar will begin full training with the squad next week, leaving his availability uncertain for Brazil's subsequent group games. For the Morocco clash, the coach is relying on a younger attacking core featuring players like VinÍcius Júnior, Raphinha, and Lucas Paquetá, with Igor Thiago likely leading the line.
Neymar's presence on the bench, permitted by medical and coaching staff, boosts team morale and sends a powerful message of unity. Reports indicate he will sit alongside substitutes and will wear sneakers.
The highly anticipated Group C opener at the 82,000-capacity MetLife Stadium (which will also host the tournament final) pits Brazil, ranked sixth in the world, against eighth-ranked Morocco. Brazil enters as favorites, but Morocco's organized defense and counter-attacking threat can cause problems for the five-time champions.
