FIFA World Cup 2026: Neymar doubtful for Brazil's opening match due to injury

Neymar (Pic: X/@neymarjr)

Star footballer Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil's upcoming friendlies and is set to miss the national team's FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match. The scans revealed that he has sustained a grade-two calf injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Thursday.

CBF doctor Rodrigo Lasmar spoke about the footballer's injury at Brazil's pre-tournament training centre just outside Rio de Janeiro. He also said that the 34-year-old player may require two to three weeks for recovery.

"Identified a grade two muscle injury... our expectation is that he will be available in two to three weeks," he said.

However, the doctor did not comment anything on whether Neymar could be dropped from the team. The footballer joined the team on Tuesday, but missed Wednesday's training session after complaints of experiencing swelling in his right calf.

According to Lasmar, the MRI showed no swelling, as previously reported, but a Grade 2 calf strain, a moderate injury involving a partial tear of the muscle fibres that requires rest and rehabilitation.

Following the injury, the football star is set to miss Sunday's friendly match against Panama at the Maracanã and the game against Egypt in Cleveland. His feature in Brazil's World Cup opening match against Morocco on June 13 is also uncertain.

The Brazilians are placed in Group C along with Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland.

The global event will kick off from June 12 with the first game scheduled to be played between Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Banorte in Mexico City. In the second match, the fans will witness South Korea clashing against Czechia at the Akron Stadium in Zapopan.

Brazil's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Gremio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo)

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid).

(With AFP Inputs)