Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar’s recent muscle injury will not prevent him from participating in the 2026 World Cup.
Although the star appeared on the sidelines during Friday’s training sessions without participating, medical reports suggest he needs a maximum of two weeks to recover. This timeline places Neymar in a race against time to be fit for the opening match against Morocco.
The 26-Player Squad: No Changes for the Seleção
Ancelotti dismissed rumors regarding Neymar’s exclusion or replacement, emphasizing his absolute trust in the selected group. He stated clearly: “These 26 are the chosen ones,” adding that Neymar is working with great enthusiasm to recover, which significantly boosts the morale within the camp.
Brazil’s Schedule: Friendlies and World Cup Group Stage
The Brazilian national team is preparing for several key fixtures before the official tournament kickoff:
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June 1: Friendly match against Panama.
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June 7: Friendly match against Egypt.
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June 14: Opening match vs. Morocco (Neymar’s participation is optimistic but uncertain).
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June 20: Match vs. Haiti (Neymar is expected to be at 100% readiness).
