Carlo Ancelotti shares some concerning news about Neymar’s fitness before Brazil’s first World Cup game.
Brazil has confirmed that their star forward Neymar won’t be playing in their first match of the 2026 World Cup against Morocco on Saturday night.
Neymar, 34, was a bit of a surprise pick for coach Carlo Ancelotti’s team, but unfortunately, he’s still recovering from a calf injury and hasn’t been able to train fully. This means he’ll miss what looks like Brazil’s toughest group game. Morocco made history at the 2022 World Cup by becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals, so it’s sure to be a big challenge.
Ancelotti hopes Neymar will join the squad for training next week. However, he’s still a question mark for Brazil’s second group match against Haiti on June 20. “Neymar is working hard to get better as soon as possible,” Ancelotti said before the match. “We picked him not just for his amazing skills, but also for his experience and leadership to inspire the younger players.”
Brazil is hopeful Neymar will be fit again when they play their last group match against Scotland on June 24. If he’s ready, he could help the team in the knockout rounds as Brazil chases a historic World Cup win.
Neymar’s spot in the 26-man squad was debated since he hasn’t played for Brazil since 2023 and has dealt with injuries. Still, he was chosen over Chelsea’s Joao Pedro and Tottenham’s Richarlison. There’s no doubt Neymar is a legend in Brazil — he’s the country’s top scorer with 79 goals in 128 games, beating Pelé’s record of 77. He has played in the last three World Cups and hopes to make his fourth appearance this summer.
This year, Neymar has scored six goals and made four assists in 15 games for Santos, mainly as an attacking midfielder. He rejoined his boyhood club in January 2025 on a short contract after leaving Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal due to a serious ACL injury.
Here’s a quick look at the Brazil squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Ederson, Weverton
Defenders: Marquinhos, Gabriel, Gleison Bremer, Leo Pereira, Roger Ibanez, Wesley Franca, Danilo, Alex Sandro, Douglas Santos
Midfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Fabinho, Danilo, Lucas Paqueta
Forwards: Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, Neymar, Endrick, Rayan, Igor Thiago
We’re all hoping Neymar recovers soon to help Brazil in their World Cup journey!