Will Neymar play tonight for Brazil vs Morocco in FIFA World Cup 2026?
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
The Brazilian is currently recovering from an injury.
Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Neymar will be unavailable for Brazil’s opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Morocco on Saturday. The 34-year-old has been dealing with a calf ailment. He has yet to return to full training.
He picked up the injury while playing for Santos. At first, it appeared that he hadn’t sustained any injury, but after undergoing MRI scans, it was disclosed as an injury.
Manager Ancelotti said the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward will begin practising with the squad next week. It also casts doubt on his availability for Brazil’s second World Cup encounter against Haiti on June 20.
Brazil’s group campaign concludes against Scotland on June 24. Neymar hopes to play in their second group game against Haiti, although it depends on his recovery process.
Carlo Ancelotti provides the latest update on Neymar’s injury
Ancelotti said:
“Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible.
“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.”
Neymar has not played for the Selecao since 2023 due to injury issues. Yet he was chosen for the 2026 FIFA World Cup above Chelsea attacker Joao Pedro and Tottenham forward Richarlison.
Now, him playing in the World Cup games appears doubtful. The forward is racing against time to make it for the second group stage game for the Selecao.
He is Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 79 goals in 128 caps, surpassing Pelé’s 77 at the 2022 World Cup. The Santos forward might compete in a fourth World Cup, having already represented Brazil in 2014, 2018, and 2022.
Will Neymar play tonight?
No, he is injured.
When will he return from injury?
He could return for the second group stage game.
When are Brazil playing Haiti?
On 20th June, 6 am IST.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.