The broadcast cameras pan to the Brazil bench, searching for the superstar who was supposed to lead his country's charge. Instead of Neymar, there's only an empty seat – and a nation's hopes suddenly feel heavier. Just days before Brazil's opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Morocco, manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that the 34-year-old forward will miss the game due to a calf injury, a cruel twist for a player who has battled fitness problems for years.
Neymar, Brazil's all-time record scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, has not played for the Selecao at all since 2023. He was selected for the tournament ahead of Chelsea's Joao Pedro and Tottenham's Richarlison, but his calf problem has prevented him from returning to full training. Ancelotti stated that Neymar is "working very hard to recover" and is expected to rejoin the group next week, making his availability for Brazil's second group match against Haiti on 20 June doubtful. Brazil conclude their group campaign against Scotland on 24 June.
“Neymar’s calf injury rules him out of Brazil’s World Cup opener – explained.”
Injuries have long shadowed Neymar's career. Now 34 and playing for Santos, he was present at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups, but this is the first time he has been ruled out of a match before it even kicked off. His absence raises the same question that has followed every injury-plagued star: can a team built around one genius function without him? For Brazil, the answer will shape their entire tournament.
For UK readers, the stakes are direct. The 2026 World Cup is being broadcast on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, with full match commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live. Millions of British fans will watch Brazil – the most successful nation in World Cup history – and Neymar's absence reduces the spectacle. Fantasy football managers, bettors and casual viewers all lose something when a marquee player is sidelined. Moreover, Brazil's group is not a walkover: Morocco reached the semi-finals four years ago, Haiti are unpredictable, and Scotland will be desperate to prove themselves. Without Neymar's creativity and experience, Brazil's path suddenly looks steeper.
Q: Will Neymar play at all in the 2026 World Cup? Ancelotti said he expects Neymar to start training with the squad next week, but his availability for Brazil's second match against Haiti is doubtful. He could potentially return for the final group game against Scotland or later if Brazil advance.
Q: Who will replace Neymar in the starting lineup? The sources do not name a direct replacement. Brazil's squad includes other forwards, but Neymar was chosen ahead of players like Joao Pedro and Richarlison, suggesting the manager values his unique qualities.
Q: How important is Neymar to Brazil's chances? Neymar is Brazil's record goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 caps, surpassing Pele's 77. Ancelotti said he was called up not just for his "indisputable technical quality" but also for his "experience and the example he can set for the young players." His absence leaves a huge creative and leadership void.
What happens next: Neymar will continue rehabilitation this week. Brazil face Morocco on Saturday without him, then play Haiti on 20 June with a chance he might feature. If he cannot play then, Scotland on 24 June becomes his last group-stage opportunity. For now, Brazil must navigate their toughest early test without their talisman.