Brazilian football star Neymar has once again been sidelined due to injury, raising fresh concerns over his fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to media reports, the 34-year-old forward was unable to feature in his team’s crucial match against San Lorenzo after sustaining a calf strain.
Team doctor Rodrigo Zugaib stated that Neymar is expected to join Brazil’s training camp on May 27 in either a fully or near-fully fit condition. He is also likely to feature in the match against Deportivo Cuenca next week.
Neymar, who has scored 79 goals in 128 international appearances for Brazil, previously suffered a serious knee injury against Uruguay in October 2023 and has since been struggling with recurring fitness issues.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has said that Neymar’s inclusion in the national team is based not only on recent performances but also on his experience and positive influence on the squad.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 official anthem has also been released.
It is worth noting that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will begin on June 11 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Brazil will start its campaign on June 13 against Morocco.
Brazil discovered its three group-stage opponents at the World Cup draw at the Kennedy Centre in Washington on Dec. 5. The team’s three group-stage games will be as follows:
June 13, 2026: Brazil vs Morocco – New York New Jersey Stadium (6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT)
June 19, 2026: Brazil vs Haiti – Philadelphia Stadium (9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT)
June 24, 2026: Scotland vs Brazil – Miami Stadium (6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT)
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