Rio de Janeiro, Jun 13 (V7N) – Brazil will be without star forward Neymar for their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Morocco, as the veteran attacker has not yet fully recovered from injury.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the news during a pre-match press conference on Saturday (June 13).
Ancelotti said Neymar is progressing well in his recovery but will not be available for Brazil’s first Group Stage match.
“Neymar is working very hard to recover quickly. We expect him to return to team training next week,” the Brazilian coach said.
Although Neymar will miss the match against Morocco, the Brazilian camp remains optimistic that he could return for the team’s upcoming World Cup fixtures against Haiti and Scotland.
The 34-year-old forward last appeared for Brazil in October 2023 before a lengthy injury layoff kept him out of national team action. Despite concerns over his fitness, Ancelotti included Neymar in Brazil’s final World Cup squad following months of speculation regarding his condition.
Five-time world champions Brazil begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Morocco on Saturday, hoping to make a strong start even in the absence of one of their most influential players.
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