Brazil forward Neymar faces a race against time to be fit for his country’s opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Morocco after suffering a calf injury that could sideline him for up to three weeks.
Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said scans revealed a grade two muscle injury in Neymar’s calf, raising doubts over the 34 year old’s availability for Brazil’s Group Stage opener against Morocco on June 13.
The Santos forward is expected to miss Brazil’s upcoming warm up matches against Panama and Egypt, including a June 6 fixture in Cleveland, as medical staff monitor his recovery ahead of the tournament.
The injury comes shortly after new Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti recalled Neymar to the national team following an absence of more than two years. Brazil’s all time leading scorer had not played for the Seleção since October 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
Neymar arrived at Brazil’s training camp in Teresópolis near Rio de Janeiro but did not participate in the squad’s first collective training session.
His fitness has remained a concern since returning to Santos FC in early 2025, with a series of muscular setbacks limiting his appearances despite helping the club avoid relegation last season.
Brazil will open their World Cup campaign against Morocco in one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage, with the Atlas Lions looking to build on their historic run to the 2022 World Cup semifinals.
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