Neymar Set To Miss Brazil’s Remaining Group Matches, Targets Knockout Return

Brazilian superstar Neymar is unlikely to feature again until the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as he continues his recovery from a calf injury, according to reports from Brazil.

The 34-year-old forward remains unavailable ahead of Brazil’s second Group C match against Haiti and is yet to resume full training with the squad.

Sources close to the team told ESPN that Neymar recently underwent a fresh medical assessment, repeating the examination he completed a week earlier. The results are still awaiting confirmation from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

Neymar suffered a grade-two muscle injury while playing for Santos on 17 May and has not returned to competitive action since. Despite fitness concerns, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti included the veteran attacker in his World Cup squad, hoping his experience and leadership would prove invaluable during the tournament.

Brazilian media reports suggest the Selecao’s medical staff are now focusing on having Neymar fully fit for the knockout rounds, effectively ruling him out of group-stage encounters against Haiti and Scotland.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star was present on the bench during Brazil’s opening 1-1 draw with Morocco but was not dressed in official playing kit, underlining the extent of his recovery process.

Ahead of the tournament opener, Ancelotti expressed confidence that Neymar would return before the end of the competition.

“Neymar is working very hard to recover as soon as possible,” the Italian coach said. “Our expectation is that he will recover and rejoin the group next week.”

Ancelotti added that Neymar’s inclusion was based on more than just his footballing ability.

“We want him for his experience and the example he sets for the younger players,” he explained.

Brazil face Haiti on Friday before concluding their group campaign against Scotland on 24 June, with hopes high that Neymar will be available should the five-time world champions progress to the knockout rounds.