Brazil will begin its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Morocco on Sunday, with much of the attention centred on whether Neymar will feature in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting lineup.
The Santos forward was included in Brazil’s World Cup squad despite criticism directed at Ancelotti from sections of fans and former players. Given Neymar’s recent injury record, many had expected the veteran attacker to miss out on selection altogether.
However, shortly after being named in the squad, Neymar was reported to be dealing with a calf injury, forcing him to sit out Brazil’s warm-up matches against Panama and Egypt. His availability for the World Cup opener now remains uncertain.
Even with the fitness concerns, Ancelotti opted to retain Neymar in the squad and has indicated that the forward will be considered for selection once he is fully fit.
Neymar faces race against time for Morocco clash
Questions over Neymar’s condition have also sparked criticism of Santos, with some observers accusing the club of not being sufficiently transparent about the player’s recovery process. The Brazilian star suffered the injury during Santos’ loss to Coritiba on May 17, just a day before Brazil’s World Cup squad was announced.
Providing an update on his condition, Santos said in a statement: “The two-week recovery period began on May 17 and concludes on Sunday (May 31), by which time the player is expected to resume training.”
The club added that recovery timelines can vary depending on the individual, the importance of upcoming matches and the team’s requirements.
Santos also highlighted the close coordination between its medical staff and the Brazilian national team. According to the club, members of Brazil’s physiotherapy department have worked with Neymar for more than a decade and have been involved throughout his rehabilitation.
“The club’s medical department is aligned with and supports the treatment programme established by the CBF medical team. Our professionals understand Neymar’s recovery capabilities and are confident he will be ready to participate in the World Cup,” the statement said.
Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals. The 33-year-old has not represented his country since suffering a serious ACL injury in October 2023, making his potential return one of the biggest storylines heading into Brazil’s World Cup campaign.
