- Home >
- Soccer >
- FIFA World Cup >
- Will Neymar play against Morocco in Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 opener?
Will Neymar play against Morocco in Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 opener?
Brazil's biggest question ahead of its FIFA World Cup 2026 debut appears to have an answer. Based on Carlo Ancelotti's latest update, Neymar is unlikely to be available for the Seleção's opening match against Morocco.
Brazil's biggest question ahead of its FIFA World Cup 2026 debut appears to have an answer. Based on Carlo Ancelotti's latest update, Neymar is unlikely to be available for the Seleção's opening match against Morocco.
The Brazilian star continues to recover from injury and has yet to rejoin full team training.
Ancelotti delays Neymar's return
Speaking ahead of Brazil's World Cup opener, Ancelotti confirmed that Neymar remains focused on his recovery.
"Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible," the Italian coach said.
However, Ancelotti acknowledged that the forward will not return to full training this week as originally expected.
The current plan is for Neymar to rejoin the squad sometime next week.
Why is Neymar expected to miss Morocco?
The Santos forward suffered a Grade II injury to his right calf on May 17 and has been working his way back ever since.
Throughout the week leading up to Brazil's World Cup opener, Neymar trained in the gym and did not participate in on-field sessions with the rest of the squad.
As a result, he appears set to miss the match against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Despite concerns over his fitness, Ancelotti defended his decision to include Neymar in the World Cup squad.
The coach emphasized that the veteran brings much more than technical quality to the team.
"When we called up Neymar, it wasn't only because of his undeniable quality, but also because of his experience and the example he can set for the younger players in this group," Ancelotti explained.
When could Neymar make his World Cup debut?
While he is expected to miss the Morocco match, Brazil hopes Neymar could be available for its second Group C game.
The Seleção will face Haiti on June 19 in Philadelphia, and that could be the match where the 34-year-old finally makes his first appearance of the tournament.
Meanwhile, teammates continue to show their support. Vinicius Jr. described Neymar as "my idol" and stressed how important it is to have him back around the national team.
