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When Brazil take on Morocco in their 2026 World Cup opener on Saturday, the Seleção will be missing all-time top scorer Neymar.
Carlo Ancelotti's side faces a stern challenge at MetLife Stadium as they begin their quest for a record-breaking sixth World Cup crown. The South American giants will go head-to-head with Achraf Hakimi and company, who only narrowly—and controversially—claimed the Africa Cup of Nations title back in January.
Following a string of recent letdowns, many believe this could be the summer the Seleção mount a campaign truly worthy of their famous badge. With Vinicius Junior and Raphinha spearheading the attack, they certainly possess an abundance of attacking quality.
Neymar's presence would only bolster Brazil's offensive options further, but the 34-year-old has been left out of Ancelotti's squad for the crucial showdown with the Atlas Lions.
Why Neymar Is Out of Brazil's 2026 World Cup Opener
Ancelotti confirmed on the eve of Brazil's World Cup opener that Neymar will be sidelined for the match due to a persistent calf injury. The iconic forward had already been absent from the team's warm-up friendlies against Paraguay and Egypt, both of which ended in wins for the Seleção.
Neymar had been in a race against time to be fit for Brazil's clash with Morocco, but he still requires additional time to work himself back to full fitness.
"Neymar is putting in a tremendous effort to recover as quickly as he can," Ancelotti said at his pre-match press conference on Friday. "We expect him to rejoin group training next week."
Brazil supporters will have to wait a little longer for Neymar's highly anticipated return. He has not played for the five-time World Cup champions since suffering an ACL tear in October 2023.
An encouraging return to form at Santos was enough to earn Neymar a call-up from Ancelotti for this summer's tournament — a decision that was greeted with widespread joy across Brazil. Yet the iconic No. 10 shirt holder now finds himself on the sidelines.
Neymar will be hoping to be fit for Brazil's second Group C fixture against Haiti on Friday, June 19. Should he need further recovery time, as recent reports indicate, he may have to wait until the Seleção's match against Scotland on Wednesday, June 24.