Neymar ruled out of Brazil vs Morocco, Carlo Ancelotti assures recovery in progress

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil will begin their campaign without Neymar after Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the forward is not fit for the Morocco clash. However, the Brazil coach offered an encouraging update, saying the star forward is progressing well in his recovery.

In Short

• Brazil will open their World Cup 2026 campaign without Neymar
• Carlo Ancelotti said the forward is working hard and recovering well
• Neymar has been out since mid-May with a right calf injury

Brazil will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign without Neymar after head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the Selecao's all-time leading goalscorer is unavailable for their opening Group C clash against Morocco.

The five-time world champions face the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Saturday, but Neymar's long-awaited return to the international stage has been delayed by an ongoing calf injury. Speaking ahead of the match, Ancelotti insisted the forward is making good progress in his recovery.

"Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible," Ancelotti said on Friday.

The Brazil boss also stressed that Neymar's importance to the squad extends beyond what he produces on the pitch.

"We called him up not only for his football ability, which is indisputable, but also for the experience and example he can provide to the younger players in the squad."

Neymar has not played for Brazil since 2023 and has been sidelined since suffering a right calf injury in mid-May, leaving fans waiting a little longer to see the country's biggest star back on football's biggest stage.

IS NEYMAR INJURED?

Neymar is currently recovering from a right calf injury that he picked up in mid-May.

The 34-year-old was included in Brazil's World Cup squad despite concerns surrounding his fitness, with the coaching staff hopeful he could recover in time for the tournament. However, the Morocco game has come too soon for the veteran forward.

While Brazil remain one of the favourites for the tournament, Neymar's absence is a significant blow given both his experience and status within the squad. He remains Brazil's all-time leading scorer and has netted eight goals across four previous World Cup campaigns.

WHEN WILL NEYMAR PLAY IN FIFA WORLD CUP 2026?

Ancelotti offered a positive update on Neymar's recovery, revealing that the forward is expected to resume training next week.

That timeline means Neymar could potentially be available for Brazil's second Group C match against Haiti on June 19, although the coaching staff are unlikely to take unnecessary risks with their star player.

Brazil will conclude their group-stage campaign against Andy Robertson's Scotland on June 24. With the tournament only just beginning, Ancelotti and Brazil will be hoping Neymar's World Cup story is merely delayed rather than denied.

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