Brazil opens its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on Sunday against Group C opponents Morocco, and all eyes will be on the South American team's playing XI for Neymar's name. The Santos striker made the cut for Carlo Ancelotti's squad after the Italian received backlash from fans and former players. But in the end, nobody really expected Ancelotti to pick Neymar. The Brazilian has been plagued by a string of injuries in recent years.
Brazil attacker Neymar has been dealing with a calf injury. (AFP)
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But after his inclusion, it was revealed that he had a calf injury, and he missed the friendlies against Panama and Egypt. He is also a serious doubt for the opener against Morocco.
Despite his injury and fitness concerns, Ancelotti has decided to keep him in the squad. He has also maintained that Neymar would get his chance if he proved his fitness.
Doubtful for Brazil's World Cup 2026 opener
Meanwhile, Santos have also been criticised for a lack of transparency from their medical staff regarding Neymar's fitness. He is doubtful for the opener and was injured during Santos' defeat to Coritiba on May 17, one day before the Brazil squad was announced.
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In a statement, the Brazilian club said, "The two-week period began on the 17th and ends this Sunday (31st), by which time the player should be fit to return to training."
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In a statement, the Brazilian club said, "The two-week period began on the 17th and ends this Sunday (31st), by which time the player should be fit to return to training."
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"It should always be borne in mind that these estimates vary from person to person and depend on the team's needs and the importance of the matches. The Brazilian national team's physiotherapy team also includes professionals from Santos FC who have been working with Neymar Jr. for over 10 years and throughout this entire recovery process.
"The club's medical department is aligned with and in agreement with the treatment schedule set by the CBF's medical team. The professionals at Santos FC are familiar with the player's recovery capacity and are confident that Neymar will be ready to play in the World Cup," the club added.
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Neymar is also Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals and hasn't featured in international football since suffering an ACL tear in October 2023.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/Sports/Football/Will Neymar play in Brazil’s FIFA World Cup 2026 opener? Latest injury update ahead of Morocco clash
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