Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that star forward Neymar will miss the Seleção’s opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 against Morocco due to a calf injury.
Brazil begin their Group C campaign at MetLife Stadium on June 14 (IST), but the 34-year-old will not be available after failing to recover in time.
Speaking about Neymar’s condition, Ancelotti said the forward is making progress and could return soon.
“He’s working hard to get fit as quickly as possible. We hope he can return to full training next week.”
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Ancelotti optimistic about Neymar’s return
Neymar had been a major doubt for the opener after suffering a calf injury in the lead-up to the tournament. While he has now been ruled out against Morocco, Ancelotti remains hopeful that the Brazilian star will be available for the team’s remaining group-stage fixtures.
Brazil will face Haiti on June 19 before taking on Scotland on June 24 in their final Group C match.
The clash against Morocco will mark only the second World Cup meeting between the two nations. Their previous encounter came during the 1998 FIFA World Cup group stage, when Brazil secured a 3-0 victory, with Ronaldo Nazário and Rivaldo scoring their first-ever World Cup goals.
Historically, Brazil has enjoyed considerable success against African teams at the World Cup, winning seven of their eight matches. Their only defeat came in 2022, when they suffered a 1-0 loss to Cameroon.
Ancelotti: ‘There Is No Clear Favourite’
Saturday’s fixture is also the only group-stage match featuring two teams currently ranked inside the top 10 of the FIFA World Rankings, with Brazil sitting sixth and Morocco eighth.
Despite Neymar’s absence, Ancelotti expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to challenge for the title.
“This is a team which can compete with anyone.
We can face up to any team. We have technical quality and experience, and we are absolutely confident we can face up to any team. We have a good feeling about this World Cup. We’re ready and prepared.
At this point there is no clear favourite for the World Cup. Several teams will have the opportunity to compete all the way to the end,” the Brazil head coach said.