Story · aljazeera + dailysabah + tass + timesofindia + websearch · 18 events
Neymar ruled out of Brazil's second World Cup match
Neymar ruled out of Brazil's second World Cup match
Brazil announced on Thursday that Neymar has been ruled out of their second World Cup match because of a lingering calf injury.
The Brazilian soccer confederation said Neymar wasn...
When will Neymar's World Cup start? Another injury update on Brazil ...
When will Neymar's World Cup start? Another injury update on Brazil ...
DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF THE WORLD CUP
Your all-access pass to scores, live updates, and insights
Explore
Getty Images Sport
Yosua Arya
Jun 13, 2026 02:40-04:00
Neymar
Brazil
Brazil vs Morocco
World Cup
C. Ancelotti
Neymar will not feature in Brazil’s opening World Cup match against Morocco after Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the forward is still recovering from a calf injury. While the Selecao remain hopeful of welcoming him back to training next week, growing concerns over his fitness have raised doubts about his availability beyond the tournament opener.
Brazil dealt Neymar blow ahead of Morocco clash
Brazil will begin their World Cup campaign
against Morocco without Neymar after Ancelotti confirmed the forward is not yet fit to return. The Santos star has been sidelined since the start of the Selecao’s pre-tournament training camp due to a calf injury. Supporters had hoped Neymar could recover in time for the opening fixture, but Ancelotti ended any speculation during his pre-match press conference.
Brazil now face one of the toughest tests in their group without their all-time leading scorer available. The inju…
Neymar injury threatens Brazil forward’s World Cup as scans needed on calf
Neymar injury threatens Brazil forward’s World Cup as scans needed on calf
Brazil's record scorer, Neymar, has not played since 2023, but injury now appears to threaten his World Cup comeback.
Neymar set to miss Brazil World Cup opener due to calf injury
Neymar set to miss Brazil World Cup opener due to calf injury
Neymar was injured playing for Santos in the Brazil domestic league, and is now confirmed to miss World Cup friendlies.
Neymar in race against time to be fit for World Cup as severity of ...
Neymar in race against time to be fit for World Cup as severity of ...
Neymar’s World Cup hopes have been dealt a
significant blow
after medical checks revealed the full extent of his calf injury.
The 34-year-old Santos forward, who is
Brazil’s all-time leading scorer
, is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks after scans confirmed a grade two muscle tear.
This diagnosis means Neymar will miss Brazil’s two warm-up friendlies against Panama on Sunday and Egypt on June 6. The former Barcelona and Paris St Germain playmaker now faces a critical race to regain fitness for their opening World Cup group game against Morocco on June 13.
Initially, Neymar had played down the severity of the injury, sustained in Santos’ 3-0 defeat to Coritiba 11 days ago.
However, Brazil doctor Rodrigo Lasmar provided a definitive update: "After missing Wednesday’s training session to undergo imaging tests in Teresopolis, the MRI ruled out the initial hypothesis of a simpler issue.
Carlo Ancelotti included Neymar in his World Cup squad, but the Brazilian forward is struggling with a calf injury
(
Getty
)
“He arrived here at Granja (on Wednesday), underwent all the medical exams and we finished wi…
Neymar injured again! Santos star ruled out as calf issue sparks fresh ...
Neymar injured again! Santos star ruled out as calf issue sparks fresh ...
Santoshave confirmed Neymar is dealing with a minor calf injury after medical tests revealed a 2-millimetre oedema in his right calf. The issue was announced by the club’s medical department on Wednesday. The timing is far from ideal for the 34-year-old, who has only recently
Neymar has already missed Santos’Copa Sudamericanaclash against San Lorenzo and is also expected to sit out the upcoming league meeting withGremio. The forward is now racing to recover before reporting for Brazil duty on May 27. Santos and the CBF are both monitoring his progress closely.
Rodrigo Zogaib, the head of Santos' medical team, insisted the injury is not considered serious and expressed confidence Neymar will still be available for Brazil next week.
"Neymar has a minor calf injury, an oedema," Zogaib told
The setback has increased scrutiny around Ancelotti’s decision to include Neymar in Brazil’s final squad. As per
Reflecting on his call-up after a long absence from the Selecao, Neymar said to
The forward also thanked those involved in his recovery process, adding: "My call-up wasn’t just for me, it was for everyone wh…
Will Neymar Play for Brazil vs. Japan at 2026 World Cup?
Will Neymar Play for Brazil vs. Japan at 2026 World Cup?
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he expects to be able to hand more minutes to winger Neymar in the team’s
World Cup
round-of-32 meeting with Japan on Monday, with the legendary forward starting the game on the bench.
A calf injury picked up shortly before joining the Brazil camp kept Neymar sidelined for the first two games this summer, but he was fit enough to play 14 minutes off the bench
against Scotland in Brazil’s final group game
.
Neymar will hope for a greater role against Japan, with Ancelotti admitting more minutes could be coming his way.
“In the last week, his progress has been significant,” Ancelotti proclaimed. “It’s a shame he couldn’t train with us the whole time he’s been with us, but he can obviously play more than 15 minutes [against Japan]. It depends on the context and how the game evolves.”
Why Isn’t Neymar Starting for Brazil Against Japan?
FULL MATCH PREVIEW, SCORE PREDICTION AND PREDICTED LINEUPS
Ancelotti is wise to show caution when it comes to Neymar’s return. This latest injury was not particularly significant—he missed just over a month of action—but that has been a regular theme fo…
Neymar out for 2026 World Cup debut vs Morocco: When was his ... - Bolavip
Neymar out for 2026 World Cup debut vs Morocco: When was his ... - Bolavip
World Cup
/
World Cup 2026
Neymar out for 2026 World Cup debut vs Morocco: When was his last appearance for Brazil?
After many doubts about his availability, Neymar has been officially ruled out of Brazil's World Cup debut against Morocco, as head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the news.
What 2026 World Cup games will be played in New York?
Brazil face roster change as Carlo Ancelotti loses Wesley for 2026 World Cup
By
Fernando Franco Puga
June 12, 2026 08:26PM EDT
Follow us on Google!
©
Pedro Vilela/Getty Images
Neymar Jr. of Brazil celebrates after scoring.
In a last-minute surprising call,
Neymar was included in Brazil’s final roster
for the
2026
World Cup
. However, he will
miss the
Canarinha’s
debut against
Morocco
, extending the time he has not played for the national team.
Neymar’s last appearance with
Brazil
was on October 17, 2023
. Back then, his side was
defeated 2-0 by Uruguay
in Montevideo, and that is, until now, his last game played with the five-time World Cup champions.
Amid several ongoing
injuries and dipping performance
,
Brazil decided not to call
Neymar
up in recent years
. However, …
Brazil president mocks Neymar, calls him 'home office player' - here's why
Brazil president mocks Neymar, calls him 'home office player' - here's why
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar will be available for the decisive World Cup Group C clash against Scotland after recovering from a calf injury that sidelined him for the first two matches. His return comes as Brazil face uncertainty over Raphinha's hamstring problem, following a 3-0 win over Haiti that boosted their knockout-stage hopes.
Neymar injury update: Brazil star could miss entire FIFA World Cup group stage
Neymar injury update: Brazil star could miss entire FIFA World Cup group stage
Neymar's World Cup participation remains uncertain as the veteran forward underwent further tests on his injured calf, raising concerns he might miss the group stage. Brazil's medical team is prioritizing his long-term fitness, targeting a return for the knockout rounds. The team has struggled creatively in his absence, highlighting his importance despite squad selection debates.
Neymar named to Brazil's World Cup squad despite doubts on fitness
Neymar named to Brazil's World Cup squad despite doubts on fitness
RIO DE JANEIRO --NeymarmadeBrazil'sWorld Cupsquad Monday, a selection many local analysts and former soccer players deemed unlikely only days ago.
Neymar, 34, is Brazil's all-time top goal scorer with 79 and will appear at his fourth World Cup. TheSantosstriker has struggled to return to top fitness since he tore his left ACL in October 2023.
"He has improved his fitness," Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said at a news conference in Rio de Janeiro. "He will be an important player in this World Cup."
The coach added that he preferred experienced players, including Neymar, for some spots in his squad.
"He has experience in this kind of competition, the love of our group; he can create a better environment in this group. We chose Neymar not because we think he'll be a good substitute. We chose Neymar because we believe he can help the team, whether it's for one minute, five minutes, 90 minutes or even taking a penalty," Ancelotti added.
Shortly before the squad was announced, Neymar changed his Instagram bio in a revealing way. He previously had referred only to Santos as where he was currently playing, but he added…
Where is Neymar? Why Brazil star is on World Cup bench with ...
Where is Neymar? Why Brazil star is on World Cup bench with ...
Billy Heyen
Getty Images
Neymar is there, on Brazil's bench.
So too is Raphinha, another standout attacker for the Brazilian national team's roster at the2026 FIFA World Cup.
The problem continues to be that neither of them are on the pitch.
Neymar is the bigger name.
Raphinha is the guy who probably matters more now to Brazil's success.
When Brazil takes on Norway in the Round of 16 on Sunday, though, both begin on the bench.
MORE:How Folarin Balogun is allowed to play vs. Belgium after red card
Neymar, 34, has been in decline in recent years, and injuries have also caused problems.
He brought a right calf injury to the World Cup, which he's been trying to build back up from.
His fitness is still a question mark, though.
The injury troubles and Neymar's form made it a bit of a surprise that he was even chosen for Brazil's World Cup roster in the first place.
Neymar has appeared off the bench in this tournament, and if he's going to play again, that'll probably be the method.
Making matters worse for Brazil is that Raphinha is still hurting.
The Barcelona star is recovering from a right hamstring strain…
Why Neymar isn't playing today from start for Brazil against ...
Why Neymar isn't playing today from start for Brazil against ...
Billy Heyen
Imagn Images
Neymar returned to the pitch in Brazil's final match of the group stage at the2026 FIFA World Cup.
For the Brazilians, the knockout rounds begin on Monday. They're taking on Japan in the Round of 32.
Neymar isn't a planned starter, though.
If he plays, it's expected to be off the bench.
And given his legendary status in Brazil, that's still surprising to a lot of fans.
MORE:Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo usage makes no sense
Neymar, 34, has been in decline in recent years, and injuries have also caused problems.
He brought a right calf injury to the World Cup, which he's been trying to build back up from.
His fitness is still a question mark, though.
The injury troubles and Neymar's form made it a bit of a surprise that he was even chosen for Brazil's World Cup roster in the first place.
MORE:The greatest goal in Canada men's soccer history
The next generation of attackers has taken over the mantle up front, with the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha providing the firepower for Brazil.
Neymar is clearly still skilled, and he could make an impact off the bench.
But his days of st…
Neymar was ruled out of Brazil’s clash with Morocco after a major injury blow
Neymar was ruled out of Brazil’s clash with Morocco after a major injury blow
Neymar will miss FIFA World Cup 2026 opener between Brazil and Morocco due to a calf injury suffered in May. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the forward is recovering well and could return next week. Neymar has not played for Brazil since 2023. Brazil begin their Group C campaign under pressure as they chase their first World Cup title since 2002.
Neymar to miss Brazil's opening World Cup match
Neymar to miss Brazil's opening World Cup match
The athlete is yet to regain full fitness after a calf injury, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti says
Neymar ruled out of Brazil's opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match against ...
Neymar ruled out of Brazil's opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match against ...
Neymar Jrhas been ruled out of Brazil's openingFIFA World Cup 2026match against Morocco on Sunday (Indian Standard Time). The forward's much-awaited return to the international circuit has been delayed due to a calf injury. However, despite the setback, head coach Carlo Ancelotti included the striker in the squad, but on the eve of the match against Morocco, it was confirmed that Neymar would not recover in time.
However, Ancelotti also issued a reassuring update, saying Neymar has been progressing well and is doing everything in his power to recover in time to play some part in the 48-team tournament.
"Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible," Ancelotti said on Friday.
“We called him up not only for his football ability, which is indisputable, but also for the experience and example he can provide to the younger players in the squad,” he added.
Speaking of Neymar, he hasn't played for Brazil since 2023. He was then sidelined with a right calf injury in mid-May. There were concerns about his fitness, but he was still picked in the Brazil squad for the FIFA World Cup.
At that time,…
Why Neymar playing isn't playing vs. Morocco? Latest on Brazil star's ...
Why Neymar playing isn't playing vs. Morocco? Latest on Brazil star's ...
Dom Farrell
Getty Images
Neymar made a long-awaited return to the Brazil squad for the 2026World Cupand the superstar forward is eyeing what is likely to be his final shot at soccer's biggest global prize.
A month after overtaking the great Pele as Brazil's all-time top scorer, Neymar sustained a ruptured ACL and meniscus in his left knee during an October 2023 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
It has been a long road back to fitness and the 34-year-old has not played for the Selecao since.
There was, therefore, great intrigue when Carlo Ancelotti named Neymar in his 26-man squad for this summer's World Cup.
But the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona favourite's injury problems are not behind him just yet. He is now set to miss Brazil's 2026 World Cup opener vs. Morocco.
2026 WORLD CUP HQ:World Cup news|Full World Cup schedule|Buy World Cup tickets
Neymar was called up for the World Cup despite struggling with a calf injury, which kept him out of both of Brazil's warm-up games against Panama and Egypt.
After medical checks on the problem, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said: "Th…
Neymar will not play in Brazil’s World Cup match against Haiti due to injury
Neymar will not play in Brazil’s World Cup match against Haiti due to injury
Brazil's record goal-scorer continues to struggle with injuries after being named in their World Cup 2026 squad.
Corroboration
No verdict, no pronouncement. The model extracts atomic factual claims with verbatim quotes; every quote is validated against the source text and corroboration is computed by counting how many editorially-opposed blocs assert each fact.
The spine · 2 facts corroborated across ≥2 opposed blocs
5×cross-perspective · 3Neymar is recovering from a calf injury.
indiaotherqatarrussiaturkey
aljazeera“injury now appears to threaten his World Cup comeback.”
dailysabah“Neymar has been ruled out of their second World Cup match because of a lingering calf injury.”
tass“The athlete is yet to regain full fitness after a calf injury,”
timesofindia“Neymar's World Cup participation remains uncertain as the veteran forward underwent further tests on his injured calf,”
goal.com“Neymar will not feature in Brazil’s opening World Cup match against Morocco after Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the forward is still recovering from a calf injury.”
2×broadly confirmedCarlo Ancelotti confirmed Neymar will not feature in Brazil’s opening World Cup match against Morocco.
otherrussia
tass“Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti says”
goal.com“Neymar will not feature in Brazil’s opening World Cup match against Morocco after Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the forward is still recovering from a calf injury.”
Single-source · 9 — reported by one bloc only (uncorroborated)
Neymar has not played since 2023.
aljazeera
Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil's second World Cup match.
dailysabah
Brazil's medical team is prioritizing Neymar's long-term fitness, targeting a return for the knockout rounds.
timesofindia
Brazil's medical team is prioritizing Neymar's long-term fitness, targeting a return for the knockout rounds.
timesofindia
Supporters had hoped Neymar could recover in time for the opening fixture.
goal.com
The Selecao remain hopeful of welcoming Neymar back to training next week.
goal.com
Growing concerns over Neymar's fitness have raised doubts about his availability beyond the tournament opener.
goal.com
Neymar's World Cup participation remains uncertain.
timesofindia
Neymar has been sidelined since the start of Brazil’s pre-tournament training camp.
goal.com
Framing · 7 — loaded language surfaced (spin shown, not adopted)
aljazeera
“injury now appears to threaten his World Cup comeback.”
→ Neymar is injured and may not return for the World Cup.
dailysabah
“Neymar has been ruled out of their second World Cup match because of a lingering calf injury.”
→ Neymar is not playing in Brazil's second World Cup match due to calf injury.
tass
“The athlete is yet to regain full fitness after a calf injury, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti says”
→ Neymar has not fully recovered from a calf injury, according to Ancelotti.
timesofindia
“Neymar's World Cup participation remains uncertain as the veteran forward underwent further tests on his injured calf, raising concerns he might miss the group stage.”
→ Neymar may miss the group stage due to calf injury.
timesofindia
“The team has struggled creatively in his absence, highlighting his importance despite squad selection debates.”
→ Brazil's team performance has been affected by Neymar's absence.
goal.com
“Brazil dealt Neymar blow ahead of Morocco clash”
→ Brazil announced Neymar will not play in the match against Morocco.
goal.com
“Neymar will not feature in Brazil’s opening World Cup match against Morocco after Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the forward is still recovering from a calf injury.”
→ Neymar is not playing in Brazil’s opening match due to injury.