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Five-time champions Brazil would begin its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign without the talismanic striker Neymar, a development confirmed by team manager Carlo Ancelotti on Friday.
Neymar was named in the World Cup squad for Brazil as they gear up for their 2026 campaign for a record-setting sixth title win. Ahead of the team's tournament-opening fixture, Ancelotti provided an update on the athlete, who has been dealing with a calf injury since the team's pre-tournament camp.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ancelotti revealed that Neymar is working arduously to recover as swiftly as possible and is expected to rejoin the training group by next week.
“Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible. The expectation is that he can rejoin the group [training] next week,” Ancelotti said, as quoted by SI.
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Notably, Neymar is yet to begin training with the rest of Brazil's World Cup squad.
Neymar's inclusion in Brazil's FIFA World Cup squad has sparked debate, with critics arguing that a fully fit player should have taken his place.
But Ancelotti defended the decision, stressing that the striker’s immense experience makes him indispensable and also serves as a role model for younger players in the squad.
Also Read | England's World Cup chaos begins early: Training gear stolen in Kansas City, only one ball left
“When we called up Neymar, we did it not just because of his technical quality, which is undeniable. But also because of his experience, the example he could represent for the younger players on the team,” Ancelotti added.
Brazil commences its World Cup campaign in a group-stage match against Morocco on Sunday, July 14, at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, at 03:30 AM IST.
Neymar was named in the World Cup squad for Brazil as they gear up for their 2026 campaign for a record-setting sixth title win. Ahead of the team's tournament-opening fixture, Ancelotti provided an update on the athlete, who has been dealing with a calf injury since the team's pre-tournament camp.
Ancelotti confirms Neymar's status
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ancelotti revealed that Neymar is working arduously to recover as swiftly as possible and is expected to rejoin the training group by next week.
“Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible. The expectation is that he can rejoin the group [training] next week,” Ancelotti said, as quoted by SI.
Also Read | FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 2 wrap: Katy Perry show, IShowSpeed meltdown and USA domination headline wild night
Notably, Neymar is yet to begin training with the rest of Brazil's World Cup squad.
Ancelotti defends keeping Neymar in team despite injury
Neymar's inclusion in Brazil's FIFA World Cup squad has sparked debate, with critics arguing that a fully fit player should have taken his place.
But Ancelotti defended the decision, stressing that the striker’s immense experience makes him indispensable and also serves as a role model for younger players in the squad.
Also Read | England's World Cup chaos begins early: Training gear stolen in Kansas City, only one ball left
“When we called up Neymar, we did it not just because of his technical quality, which is undeniable. But also because of his experience, the example he could represent for the younger players on the team,” Ancelotti added.
Brazil commences its World Cup campaign in a group-stage match against Morocco on Sunday, July 14, at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, at 03:30 AM IST.
