NEW YORK: As Brazil kicks off its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, the biggest question on every football fan’s mind is the fitness and availability of their all-time leading goalscorer, Neymar Jr.
The 34-year-old forward, who currently plays club football for Santos, was a surprise inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man squad due to his lack of match sharpness following a long-term international absence since late 2023. To the disappointment of fans, a Grade 2 right calf injury sustained on May 17 while playing for Santos ruled him out of Brazil’s high-profile Group C opener against Morocco.
Will Neymar Play the Next Match?
Brazil’s next group-stage match is against Haiti on Friday, June 19, followed by their final group fixture against Scotland on June 24.
According to head coach Carlo Ancelotti, Neymar is making excellent progress with the national medical team but will not be rushed back into action prematurely.
”Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible,” Ancelotti stated. “The expectation is that he will recover and rejoin the group training next week.”
The Return Timeline
While there is a slim chance Neymar could feature off the bench against Haiti on June 19 if his training progression goes perfectly, internal reports suggest Brazil is planning a highly cautious approach. The coaching staff aims to have the superstar fully fit for the knockout stages. Consequently, fans are more likely to see him get his first minutes of the 2026 World Cup either in the final group match against Scotland on June 24 or during the Round of 16.
Ancelotti has firmly backed the veteran No. 10, emphasizing that his role extends far beyond tactical output. “We call him up 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,” the Italian manager added.
