Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has offered a positive update on Neymar’s fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying the forward is expected to be available either for Brazil’s opening match against Morocco or shortly after.
Neymar is currently recovering from a calf injury suffered while playing for Santos in May. After reporting to Brazil’s training camp, further tests confirmed a grade-two muscle strain in his right calf, creating doubts over whether he would be ready for the start of the tournament.
Despite those concerns, Ancelotti has made it clear that Brazil do not plan to replace Neymar in the squad. The coach said he expects the 34-year-old to return for the first group match against Morocco, or at the latest for Brazil’s second game against Haiti.
Neymar Set to Miss Brazil’s World Cup Warm-Up Matches
Although Brazil are optimistic about Neymar’s World Cup involvement, he is not expected to feature in the team’s warm-up matches against Panama and Egypt.
That means Neymar could enter the tournament without a proper pre-World Cup tune-up, which adds another layer of uncertainty around his match sharpness. For a player whose game depends on quick changes of direction, acceleration and balance in tight spaces, even a short injury absence can affect rhythm.
Still, Brazil appear willing to wait. Ancelotti’s comments suggest that Neymar’s influence, experience and attacking quality remain important enough for the coaching staff to keep him in the final 26-man squad.
Why Neymar Still Matters for Brazil
Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, with 79 goals in 128 appearances for the national team. His creative ability, set-piece threat and experience in major tournaments make him one of Brazil’s most important attacking options when fit.
However, his recent injury record has made his role more complicated. Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. Since returning to club football with Santos, his production has been more modest than during the peak years of his career.
Even so, Brazil know that Neymar can still change a game. In knockout football, moments of individual quality often decide tight matches, and Neymar remains one of the few Brazilian players capable of producing that type of moment.
Brazil Face a Difficult World Cup Opener Against Morocco
Brazil begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13, and the match could be far from straightforward.
Morocco reached the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup and finished fourth, going further than Brazil in that tournament. That makes the opening match a major test for Ancelotti’s side, especially if Neymar is not fully fit.
If Neymar is unavailable against Morocco, Brazil will likely need to rely more heavily on their other attacking stars and midfield creators. Ancelotti may also choose to manage Neymar’s return carefully, using him from the bench or saving him for the second group match against Haiti on June 19.
Final Outlook
Neymar’s injury is a concern, but Brazil’s message is clear: they expect him to be part of their 2026 World Cup campaign.
The key question is whether he will be ready for the opening match or whether Brazil will take a more cautious approach and target his return for the second group game. Either way, Ancelotti appears committed to keeping Neymar in the squad and giving him time to recover.
For Brazil, the decision is about balancing risk and reward. A fully fit Neymar can still be a difference-maker. But rushing him back too soon could create problems later in the tournament.