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Brazilian fans won't be able to see their favorite, Neymar Jr., in the team's opening game. The reason is that he will sit out his country’s opening Group C match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Morocco due to a calf injury.
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Brazil hit with major Neymar Jr injury news ahead of World Cup 2026 opener vs Morocco
The 34-year-old, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, continues intensive rehabilitation after suffering a Grade 2 calf injury while playing for Santos in mid-May. Fabrizio Romano reported that Neymar is working hard on his recovery and that he is expected to rejoin the squad next week. As per the Brazilian journalist’s post:
“Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible. The expectation is that he will recover and rejoin the group next week”.
Team head coach Carlo Ancelotti, in his first major tournament with Brazil, has stood by the decision to include Neymar despite the fitness concerns. Ancelotti previously indicated the team would wait for the forward if he missed the opener, targeting a return for the subsequent group-stage matches against Haiti or Scotland.
Neymar has been training separately in New Jersey and missed Brazil’s recent warm-up friendlies. His absence adds to a growing injury list for the Selecao, raising questions among fans about squad selection. Many supporters have voiced frustration online, arguing that a fully fit player like Joao Pedro should have been prioritized over the injury-prone veteran.
Brazil faces Morocco on Saturday, June 13. The team will look to start their campaign strongly without their talisman, while hoping for Neymar’s timely return to boost their title ambitions.
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