Brazil Star Forward Withdrawn from 2026 World Cup Match Against Morocco

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar will be absent from Brazil’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup, a 2–0 loss to Morocco scheduled for Saturday.

The 34‑year‑old forward is still recovering from a calf injury and has not yet returned to full training.

Manager Ancelotti said Neymar will resume training with the squad next week, leaving his participation in Brazil’s second group game against Haiti on 20 June uncertain.

Brazil will finish the group stage with a match against Scotland on 24 June.
Ancelotti added: “Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible.”

Also Read: 2026 World Cup: I Won’t Drop Neymar From Brazil Squad – Ancelotti

“The expectation is that he will recover and rejoin the group next week. When we call up Neymar, we call him not only for his technical quality, which is indisputable, but also for his experience and the example he can set for the young players in this group.”

He has scored 79 goals in 128 caps, becoming Brazil’s all‑time leading scorer, surpassing Pelé’s 77 goals.

The Santos forward could add a fourth World Cup to his résumé, having already represented Brazil in 2014, 2018 and 2022.

James Agberebi

James is a sport content creator and also does analysis on sports. Also, James has covered international matches involving both Nigeria’s men and women national teams. Facebook : James Agberebi