Neymar ruled out of Brazil vs Morocco, Carlo Ancelotti assures recovery is ongoing

Brazil will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign without Neymar after head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the Selecao’s all-time top scorer is unavailable for their Group C opener against Morocco.

The five-time world champions face the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Saturday, but Neymar’s long-awaited return to the international scene was delayed by an ongoing calf injury. Speaking ahead of the game, Ancelotti insisted the forward was making good progress in his recovery.

“Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible,” Ancelotti said on Friday.

The Brazilian boss also stressed that Neymar’s importance to the team goes beyond what he produces on the pitch.

“We called him up not only for his footballing ability, which is indisputable, but also for the experience and example he can provide to the younger players in the squad.”

Neymar has not played for Brazil since 2023 and has been sidelined since suffering a right calf injury in mid-May, leaving fans waiting a little longer to see the country’s biggest star back on football’s biggest stage.

IS NEYMAR INJURED?

Neymar is currently recovering from a right calf injury which he picked up in mid-May.

The 34-year-old was included in Brazil’s World Cup squad despite concerns about his fitness and the coaching staff hoped he could recover in time for the tournament. However, the match for Morocco came too soon for the experienced striker.

While Brazil remain one of the favorites for the tournament, Neymar’s absence is a significant blow given his experience and standing in the squad. He remains Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, scoring eight goals in four previous World Cup campaigns.

WHEN WILL NEYMAR PLAY IN THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP?

Ancelotti offered a positive update on Neymar’s recovery, revealing the striker is expected to resume training next week.

That timeline means Neymar could potentially be available for Brazil’s second Group C match against Haiti on June 19, although the coaching staff are unlikely to take any unnecessary risks with their star player.

Brazil will end their group stage campaign against Andy Robertson’s Scotland on June 24. With the tournament just getting underway, Ancelotti and Brazil will be hoping Neymar’s World Cup story is delayed rather than denied.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

13 Jun 2026 05:26 IST