Brazil will be without Neymar when they kick off the FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Morocco in a crucial Group C match on Saturday. Coach Carlo Ancelotti
confirmed the development and revealed that Neymar will miss the clash due to a calf injury, but added that the forward is making good progress in recovery. Neymar is Brazil's all-time leading goal scorer, and his absence is a big blow to the five-time champions. "Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible," Ancelotti said on Friday. Ancelotti emphasised that Neymar's importance to the squad is way more than his on-field presence. "We called him up not only for his football ability, which is indisputable, but also for the experience and example he can provide to the younger players in the squad." Neymar last played for Brazil in 2023 and has been watching the action from the sidelines due to a right calf injury sustained in mid-May. Neymar's absence, however, does not come as a shock, as there were already concerns over his fitness ahead of the World Cup, but the management backed the star forward, hoping that he will recover in time for the gala event.
When Will Neymar Return?
While the exact date of Neymar's return wasn't confirmed by coach Ancelotti, he gave a positive update and said that the veteran is expected to resume training next week. This could mean that Neymar could return to action in Brazil's second Group C clash against Haiti on June 19. However, Neymar is unlikely to be rushed into the team unless he regains peak fitness, and might take an extra game off.Following the game against Haiti, Brazil will play their last group stage game against Scotland on June 24. The fans will be hoping that Neymar recovers quickly and is available to represent the country at some stage of the tournament.
