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Brazil launched its pair of World Cup warm-up fixtures in impressive fashion, netting six times against Panama even without Neymar leading the attack.
Vinicius Junior and Casemiro were the standout performers in the opening half, combining for each other's goals on either side of Matheus Cunha's own strike. A wave of substitutions arrived at halftime, yet Brazil barely missed a beat, with Rayan's maiden senior international goal followed by further efforts from Lucas Paquetá, Igor Thiago and Danilo.
The 6–2 victory has spirits soaring ahead of this Saturday's friendly against Egypt, another World Cup-bound nation looking to sharpen its edge before the tournament begins.
However, just as they were against Panama, the Seleção will be without Neymar when they face the African giants. The 34-year-old, who is poised to feature at his fourth World Cup, misses yet another chance to build form ahead of this summer's showpiece event.
Why Neymar Is Missing for Egypt Friendly
Neymar's non-appearance in the Panama win was due to a calf injury he picked up while playing for Santos in mid-May during a match against Coritiba. Despite the setback, Carlo Ancelotti maintained his confidence in the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward, naming him in his final Brazil squad.
Nevertheless, fitness concerns around Neymar are nothing new, given a career repeatedly disrupted by prolonged spells on the treatment table. Predictably, following an initial prognosis of roughly two to three weeks out, Neymar remains sidelined heading into Saturday's fixture against Egypt.
Rather than making the trip to Cleveland for the match, he will remain at Brazil's training base in New Jersey to continue his rehabilitation.
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Will Neymar Play in Brazil's World Cup Opener?
Doubts remain over whether Neymar will be fit for Brazil's World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13, after which the record world champions take on Haiti (June 19) and Scotland (June 24) in the group stage.
Speaking last month, Ancelotti expressed optimism over Neymar's availability, and there is currently nothing concrete to indicate the veteran will be ruled out of the tournament entirely.
Brazil can swap Neymar out of its squad up to 24 hours before kickoff in its opening game, leaving the Seleção facing a difficult call ahead of the Morocco fixture should his condition fail to improve.
João Pedro would be the most natural like-for-like replacement given his surprising exclusion, as the Chelsea striker was overlooked despite delivering a 20-goal season in 2025–26.