Brazil are set to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Morocco on Saturday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, but the Seleção will be without their all-time leading goal scorer, Neymar Jr., for the highly anticipated Group Stage clash.
The 34-year-old sustained a grade 2 strain in his right calf on May 17, 2026, during a domestic league match for Santos against Coritiba, and further assessment by Brazil's medical team revealed a partial muscle tear.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Saturday that the 34-year-old forward will miss the team's opening World Cup fixture against Morocco, but remains optimistic that Neymar could be available for both matches against Haiti and Scotland.
Ancelotti also backed his side's chances of making a deep run in the tournament, insisting Brazil possess the quality and experience to compete with any nation.
