Neymar problem for Brazil ahead of World Cup opener

Brazil have been dealt a major injury concern ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after forward Neymar was ruled out of the Selecao’s upcoming friendly matches and now faces a race against time to be fit for the tournament opener. 

The 34-year-old suffered a calf injury that is expected to sideline him for up to three weeks, casting doubt over his availability for Brazil’s first group-stage match against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey.

Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed the setback after Neymar underwent medical examinations following complaints of swelling in his right calf during the national team’s training camp. 

An MRI scan later revealed a grade two calf injury, which involves a partial tear of the muscle fibres and requires rehabilitation. 

Lasmar said Neymar is expected to recover within “two to three weeks,” effectively ruling him out of the friendlies against Panama and Egypt.

The injury comes as another frustrating blow for Neymar, who has struggled with fitness problems over the past few years and has not represented Brazil since October 2023. 

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star suffered a serious knee injury during a World Cup qualifier defeat to Uruguay and has spent a lengthy period recovering while trying to regain full match sharpness with Santos.

Despite concerns surrounding his condition, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti included Neymar in his 26-man World Cup squad earlier this month after monitoring his progress throughout the season. 

The Italian coach said Neymar had shown improved physical condition and continuity in recent months, convincing the coaching staff that the veteran forward could still play an important role for the national team during the tournament.

Brazil are already facing selection complications ahead of their preparations, with Arsenal duo Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli unavailable for the friendly against Panama because of their involvement in the Champions League final. 

Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos will also miss the match for the same reason, leaving Ancelotti without several key players during the final stages of preparation.

Should Neymar recover in time, the tournament in the United States could mark his fourth World Cup appearance after previously featuring in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions. 

The forward remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances. 

Brazil will begin their Group C campaign against Morocco before facing Haiti and Scotland later in the group stage.