Brazil confirm Neymar status for Morocco clash
by Kickoff Reporter · KickOffBrazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar's status ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Morocco.
The Moroccans, who finished as semi-finalists in 2022, begin their World Cup campaign on Sunday morning against five-time world champions Brazil.
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However, the Santos star will no part in the opening game against Morocco as he continues his recovery.
"Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible," Ancelotti told reporters, as per BBC.
"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."
Former Morocco star Khalid Fouhami has warned Brazil that the Atlas Lions won't be pushovers.
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"Logically, Morocco is not the favorite. Looking at the history and achievements of both teams, Brazil is clearly ahead. Five-time world champions, boasting an exceptional pool of talent and regularly topping the FIFA rankings, Brazil remains a global benchmark," Fouhami told Foot Africa.
"That said, Morocco is no longer just an ordinary underdog. Their remarkable run at the 2022 World Cup, capped by a historic semifinal qualification, earned them the respect of football fans worldwide. Brazil remains the favorite, but Morocco now has strong arguments to challenge them."