Neymar made a long-awaited return to the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup and the superstar forward is eyeing what is likely to be his final shot at soccer’s biggest global prize.
A month after overtaking the great Pele as Brazil’s all-time top scorer, Neymar sustained a ruptured ACL and meniscus in his left knee during an October 2023 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
It has been a long road back to fitness and the 34-year-old has not played for the Selecao since.
There was, therefore, great intrigue when Carlo Ancelotti named Neymar in his 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup.
But the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona favourite’s injury problems are not behind him just yet. He is now set to miss Brazil’s 2026 World Cup opener vs. Morocco.
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Is Neymar injured?
Neymar was called up for the World Cup despite struggling with a calf injury, which kept him out of both of Brazil’s warm-up games against Panama and Egypt.
After medical checks on the problem, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said: “The exam showed good progress in his treatment, within expected parameters.
“He will continue the recovery and physical preparation process planned by the Brazilian National Team’s medical staff.”
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Will Neymar play against Morocco?
Neymar is officially not playing in Brazil’s opening game against Morocco in New Jersey on Saturday, June 13, per Fabrizio Romano.
🚨🇧🇷 BREAKING: Neymar Jr to miss Brazil vs Morocco opening game but back next week.
“Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible. The expectation is that he will recover and rejoin the group next week”. pic.twitter.com/8aFLuHyo11
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 12, 2026
Previously, a statement from the CBF on June 8 said Neymar was targeting the Morocco game, but a report the following day by sports newspaper Globo stated he would not be ready in time.
Neymar is expected to play a part in the tournament, though, with Brazil’s second Group C game against Haiti on June 20 in Philadelphia a more realistic target for his return.
Brazil World Cup schedule
| Date | Time (ET) | Match | Location |
| Sat, Jun. 13 | 6 p.m. | Brazil vs. Morocco | MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ) |
| Fri, Jun. 19 | 9 p.m. | Brazil vs. Haiti | Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA) |
| Wed, Jun. 24 | 6 p.m. | Scotland vs. Brazil | Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL) |
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