Brazil forward Neymar suffered a calf issue just ahead of the World Cup campaign. | Photo Credit: AFP

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that star forward Neymar will not be available for the team’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C opener against Morocco on Saturday.

The 34-year-old suffered a calf injury mid-May and has not been training with the rest of the squad in the side’s base in Manhattan.

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

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

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Neymar, now playing for Santos, has endured an injury-disrupted period and has not represented Brazil since 2023. Fitness problems have also limited his involvement at club level this year, with the forward featuring in only half of Santos’ matches across domestic and continental competitions.

A veteran of Brazil’s last three World Cup campaigns, Neymar’s inclusion in the squad drew some scrutiny given his recent injury record. However, his experience and status as the country’s record goalscorer make him a key figure in Ancelotti’s plans as Brazil seeks a sixth World Cup title.

- Inputs from AFP

Published on Jun 13, 2026