Brazil has been dealt a major setback ahead of its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, with star forward Neymar ruled out of the team’s opening match against Morocco due to a calf injury.
The 34-year-old suffered a grade-two calf strain while playing for Santos FC in May and has yet to return to full training with the Brazilian national team. Despite being included in Brazil’s World Cup squad, Neymar continues to undergo rehabilitation as he works toward regaining match fitness.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Neymar will not be available for Brazil’s first group-stage fixture, leaving the five-time world champions without one of their most experienced and influential players. The news has raised concerns among fans, especially with Neymar expected to play a key role in what could be his final FIFA World Cup appearance.
Brazil will now rely on attacking talents such as Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, and Endrick to lead the team’s offensive efforts against Morocco. While Neymar’s absence is a significant blow, recent medical reports suggest he is making positive progress and could return later in the tournament.
The Brazilian camp remains optimistic that the superstar forward will recover in time for the remaining group-stage matches, giving supporters hope that Neymar can still make an impact on the World Cup stage.
