Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said the 34-year-old attacker will remain with the squad and expects him available for the first or second group match.
11:55 PM
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Saturday that Neymar will participate in the 2026 World Cup despite a right calf muscle injury, ruling out any roster changes.
Speaking at a press conference at the Granja Comary training facility in Teresópolis, Ancelotti said the 34-year-old attacker will stay with the squad while recovering. "For clarity: he will be with us until the day he recovers and becomes available. We think he could be recovered for the first World Cup match. If he cannot recover for the first, he will recover for the second," Ancelotti said.
The coach emphasized that no players from the 26-man roster would be replaced. "We have no doubt that we will not swap anyone. The players chosen are these 26, and these 26 will play the World Cup," he stated.
Neymar arrived at the Brazilian national team with the injury, which has prevented him from training with the group. According to medical assessments, the injury is expected to require up to three weeks for recovery.
Ancelotti explained the timeline of events surrounding the injury. Before the squad announcement, Santos informed the Brazilian Football Confederation of a small swelling issue and was managing the matter until May 27. The player was included in the roster because the coaching staff determined he should be. Once May 27 arrived, the CBF assumed responsibility for addressing Neymar's condition.
"We think he will recover as quickly as possible. He is working well, he is upbeat. He will recover quickly," Ancelotti said, noting that the player is in good spirits during his rehabilitation.
Brazil's first group-stage match is against Morocco, followed by a second match against Haiti. Ancelotti's projection suggests Neymar could be fit for either of these fixtures, with the second match appearing more likely based on the recovery timeline.
The coach's statement came ahead of a friendly match against Panama scheduled for Sunday at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the 34-year-old Santos forward for his fourth World Cup, joining eight other Brazilians with four tournament appearances.
Carlo Ancelotti named the Santos forward in Brazil's pre-list for the 2026 tournament, though his final selection remains uncertain pending fitness recovery.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti told The Athletic that Neymar remains under evaluation for the squad, emphasizing physical fitness as a key consideration.
Brazil's forward will miss the team's opening match against Morocco on June 13 due to a grade two calf injury confirmed by the national team doctor.
The Brazilian Football Federation renewed Carlo Ancelotti's contract as national team coach for four additional years, extending through the 2030 World Cup.
After Santos drew 1-1 with San Lorenzo in Copa Sudamericana, Neymar expressed hope to play in 2026 World Cup and dreams of a final between Brazil and Argentina.