Fabrizio Romano, via his X account, shared a statement from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) regarding the progression of the number 10’s recovery. “Neymar underwent MRI on Monday and tests showed a good evolution in his treatment — within the expected parameters.”

The press release also added: “He will follow the recovery preparation process planned by the medical commission of the Brazilian National Team.” The Seleção will begin their World Cup campaign on June 13. Will Carlo Ancelotti have Neymar available for the tournament opener?

What injury is Neymar Jr. dealing with?

Neymar is racing against time to recover from a grade-two calf strain in his right leg. The 34-year-old sustained the injury on May 17, 2026, during Santos’ 3–0 defeat against Coritiba in the Brazilian domestic league.

An MRI scan later revealed a partial tear of the muscle fibers rather than just minor swelling, forcing him to miss Brazil‘s pre-tournament friendlies against Panama and Egypt.

Brazil’s participation in the 2026 World Cup

Brazil will play all three of their 2026 World Cup group stage matches in the United States as they headline Group C. The Seleção will make their tournament debut against Morocco on June 13 at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford.

For their second fixture, the five-time world champions will travel to the Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Stadium) to face Haiti on June 19. Finally, Brazil will wrap up the group stage with a highly anticipated clash against Scotland on June 24 at Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium) in Florida.

Brazil’s intriguing forward line

Neymar’s expected call-up adds to an intriguing attacking lineup for Brazil ahead of the World Cup:

• Endrick (Lyon)
• Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
• Igor Thiago (Brentford)
• Luiz Henrique (Zenit)
• Matheus Cunha (Manchester United)
• Raphinha (Barcelona)
• Rayan (Bournemouth)
• Vinícius Junior (Real Madrid)

In search of a sixth World Cup title

Brazil are hunting for that legendary sixth FIFA World Cup title, and the vibe around the squad is pure focus. They grabbed their first three championships during the golden Pele era in 1958, 1962, and 1970, absolutely dominating the globe with Jogo Bonito.

Romario, Bebeto and Taffarel brought home number four in 1994 after a dramatic shootout in the US, and Ronaldo alongside Rivaldo secured their last star back in 2002 with their masterclass in Japan and South Korea.

New York Stadium hosts a total of eight matches throughout the World Cup tournament, a number that is one less than Dallas, the venue slated to hold the most matchups. However, the local venue secures the ultimate privilege of staging the most important game of all, which is none other than the final.

These are the matches that will be played in New York:

Group Stage

• Saturday, June 13, 2026: Brazil vs. Morocco, Group C
• Tuesday, June 16, 2026: France vs. Senegal, Group I
• Monday, June 22, 2026: Norway vs. Senegal, Group I
• Thursday, June 25, 2026: Ecuador vs. Germany, Group E
• Saturday, June 27, 2026: Panama vs. England, Group L

Round of 32

• Tuesday, June 30, 2026: Match 77, 1I vs 3 C, D, F, G, H

Round of 16

• Sunday, July 5, 2026: Match 91, G76 vs G78

World Cup 2026 Final

• Sunday, July 19, 2026: Match 104, G101 vs G102

New York joins history with other cities

This location represents the largest city in the United States, and although it hosted several matches during the 1994 World Cup, the final back then was awarded by FIFA to Los Angeles and Pasadena. Because of this historical background, the decision to host the tournament culmination remains completely logical for the 2026 World Cup in New York.

New York joins an elite list of major global metropolises such as Johannesburg, Mexico City, Rome, Berlin, Moscow, and Rio de Janeiro. These prominent locations stand out across the planet as iconic cities that have previously hosted the prestigious final of the World Cup.

The stadium that will be the venue

MetLife Stadium is a multipurpose venue that originally opened in 2010, and it currently hosts the New York Giants and the New York Jets of the NFL, as well as the New York Guardians of the XFL. Furthermore, the iconic facility served as the exact stage for the 2016 Copa America Centenario final, a memorable match in which Chile defeated the Argentina squad led by Lionel Messi in a dramatic penalty shootout.

This venue served as the setting for the conclusion of the 2025 Club World Cup, an event where soccer fans from all over the globe witnessed a thrilling 3-0 victory by Chelsea over PSG. In addition to that final match, the stadium previously hosted the tournament semifinals, a single quarterfinal matchup, and five distinct fixtures during the group stage.

The manager of the Seleção, expressed regret over the unfortunate situation involving the Roma player, according to Fabrizio Romano on X: “It’s a shame to lose Wesley. We have to wait for the tests now,” he said.

The setback may have been a major blow for the team; however, Ancelotti himself is confident in those who can replace Wesley. “Eventually, we have good players to replace him.”

Who will be his replacement? According to a recent report also from Romano on X, the player joining the squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup is midfielder Ederson.

How much does Brazil lose without Wesley?

Losing Wesley is an unexpected blow for Brazil ahead of the World Cup, as the Roma right-back has quickly become a vital piece of their system. In his 3 qualifier appearances, he didn’t log a goal or an assist, but his elite tactical awareness and relentless work rate gave the Seleção needed balance.

His technical versatility, lethal crossing ability, and composure under pressure are nearly difficult to replicate, meaning Brazil lose a premier two-way weapon that perfectly connected their defense to their high-powered attack.

Mind on the World Cup

Brazil are ready to kick off their Group C campaign, but the biggest question mark surrounding the Seleção is whether Neymar will be fit to play, as the coaching staff is willing to wait until the absolute last minute for his recovery. Without their main star fully guaranteed, the Brazilians will open the tournament against Morocco on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

They will then head to Philadelphia to face Haiti on June 19 at Lincoln Financial Field, before wrapping up the group stage in Miami against Scotland on June 24 at Hard Rock Stadium, hoping that by the time they hit the pitch, their legendary number 10 will finally be cleared to lead the attack.

Neymar recently suffered a grade two strain in his right calf. Reports suggest he could miss the start of the tournament, though manager Carlo Ancelotti remains hopeful to have him ready for the June 13 debut against Morocco.

While Neymar is not slated to start for Brazil, he remains a dangerous weapon off the bench once fully fit, as the medical staff refuse to rush his recovery.

Neymar was a surprising call-up for Brazil

Prior to Ancelotti’s roster announcement, fans questioned whether the forward would make the cut. His eventual inclusion sparked debate, with critics suggesting it was more of a tribute than a form-based selection.

Though Neymar performed well individually for Santos during the 2025-26 season, his club narrowly escaped relegation by a single point, making his World Cup selection highly controversial.

He is expected to begin the tournament on the bench, but Ancelotti will likely utilize him as a primary tactical substitute if the five-time champions struggle offensively.

Brazil’s starting lineup to face Egypt

For this final tune-up, Ancelotti fielded a starting XI that many expect will mirror the lineup against Morocco, though Gabriel Magalhaes is ultimately projected to start over Ibanez alongside Marquinhos in the World Cup defense.

Brazil’s starting XI to face Egypt: Alisson; Wesley, Marquinhos, Ibanez, Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta; Vini Jr., Raphinha, and Igor Thiago.

There is some concern for Brazil though. While they dominated 70% of the match, Egypt had a lot of lapses with the ball on their feet. Also, all eyes are on right back Wesley, who had to exit with an injury. Brazil come as the head of the table in Group C, but this is a tough one to win as the Canarinha will battle Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland during the Group Phase.

As for Egypt, they play Iran, Belgium, and New Zealand in Group G of the 2026 World Cup. Alongside with Belgium, Egypt could see themselves as one of the candidates to go through. Even with a loss against Brazil, they showed glimpses of what they can do if given space. However, they need to get more creative when playing in the opposing half. Still, not a bad outing from the Pharaohs.

How to watch Brazil vs Egypt in the USA

Fans across the United States can watch the game live on ESPN Deportes, with streaming options available through Fubo and DirecTV Stream.

Every key moment will be covered live, from crucial plays to a potentially thrilling finish. Don’t miss this exciting matchup.

Can I watch Brazil vs Egypt for free?

USA fans can watch this must-see matchup live on Fubo and DirecTV Stream, both offering nationwide coverage of the broadcast.

New users can also take advantage of five-day free trials through either service. With plenty on the line, make sure you don’t miss any of the action.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Brazil will get another opportunity to fine-tune its preparations for the World Cup when it meets Egypt in a high-profile friendly. With Vinicius Jr. headlining a roster loaded with talent, the South American powerhouse enters the matchup looking to build momentum.

Meanwhile, Egypt views this contest as a crucial measuring stick, with Mohamed Salah leading a squad determined to prove it can compete with the world’s elite and make a deep World Cup run beyond the group stage.

The clash offers both teams a valuable test against quality opposition, making it one of the most intriguing tune-ups before the tournament begins. Don’t miss the action as two ambitious nations put their World Cup aspirations on display.

Brazil vs Egypt: Predicted Lineups

Brazil (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Wesley, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Sandro; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Raphinha, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Thiago.

Egypt (4-2-3-1): El Shenawy; Hany, Fathy, Ibrahim, Fotouh; Lasheen, Ateya; Salah, Ashour, Trezeguet; Marmoush.

What time is the Brazil vs Egypt match?

The match kicks off today, June 6, at 6:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 6:00 PM
Central Time: 5:00 PM
Mountain Time: 4:00 PM
Pacific Time: 3:00 PM

Beyond the players on the pitch, the spotlight is increasingly turning toward the dugout, where elite head coaches are being rewarded with record-breaking salaries for their tactical vision and leadership.

From Europe’s powerhouse federations to ambitious national projects in South America, Asia and North America, federations are investing heavily in managers who can handle the pressure of a 48-team World Cup format.

10. Lionel Scaloni (Argentina) – $2.6 million

Lionel Scaloni stands as one of the most successful international coaches in modern soccer, having guided Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and ending the country’s 36-year wait for the trophy.

That triumph, along with the 2021 Copa America win against Brazil at the Maracana, cemented his legacy. Despite being among the lower-paid elite coaches, his achievements place him among the most respected managers heading into 2026, where Argentina will defend its world champion status.

9. Gustavo Alfaro (Paraguay) – $2.8 million

Gustavo Alfaro has built a reputation as one of South America’s most resilient tactical leaders, known for transforming underdog teams into disciplined, competitive sides.

After guiding Ecuador through a strong 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, where they earned a place in Qatar despite point deductions controversy, he became a sought-after international coach.

His appointment with Paraguay reflects a project built on defensive structure and emotional intensity, key traits in his coaching identity heading into the FIFA World Cup 2026.

8. Javier Aguirre (Mexico) – $2.8 million

Javier Aguirre returns once again to the World Cup spotlight as one of Mexico’s most experienced managers, having already led the national team in multiple World Cup cycles, including 2002 and 2010.

Known for his pragmatic style and deep understanding of CONCACAF soccer, he is trusted to stabilize a squad under immense home pressure. His long international career and ability to handle high-stakes tournaments make him a familiar but reliable figure for Mexico’s 2026 campaign.

7. Jesse Marsch (Canada) – $2.8 million

Jesse Marsch brings a modern, high-intensity coaching philosophy shaped by his experience in Major League Soccer, the Austrian Bundesliga and the English Premier League with Leeds United.

While he never lifted major silverware in Europe, his reputation for pressing systems and player development earned him Canada’s top job. His mission is to maximize a growing talent pool and turn Canada into a competitive force during their home-hosted World Cup experience.

6. Fabio Cannavaro (Uzbekistan) – $4.5 million

Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup-winning captain with Italy, brings legendary playing pedigree into international management. His appointment by Uzbekistan represents one of the most ambitious coaching projects of the cycle, as the nation prepares for its first-ever World Cup appearance. While his coaching résumé has been mixed across club stints in China and Europe, his leadership and defensive expertise remain central to Uzbekistan’s strategy.

5. Roberto Martinez (Portugal) – $4.5 million

Roberto Martinez arrives at Portugal ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 carrying a reputation built across multiple international projects, including his long spell with Belgium’s so-called “golden generation”.

During that period, he guided the team to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, still their best modern-era result. Now in charge of Portugal, he works with one of the deepest attacking squads in world soccer, where his challenge is transforming individual brilliance into tournament consistency.

4. Thomas Tuchel (England) – $6.5 million

Thomas Tuchel brings elite European pedigree to England after winning the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, a defining achievement that cemented his status among the game’s top tactical minds.

Known for his adaptability and defensive organization, he has also reached the Champions League final with Paris Saint-Germain, narrowly losing to Bayern Munich.

His appointment with England reflects a clear expectation: convert a talented generation into a major tournament-winning side, something the country has not achieved since 1966.

3. Mauricio Pochettino (USA) – $6.8 million

Mauricio Pochettino’s leadership of the United States men’s national team marks one of the most ambitious coaching appointments in CONCACAF history. Previously, he built Tottenham Hotspur into Champions League finalists in 2019, famously eliminating Ajax in a dramatic semifinal comeback before falling to Liverpool in the final.

With PSG, he also added domestic silverware while managing world-class stars. His task in the U.S. is clear: elevate the program into a legitimate knockout-stage contender on home soil.

2. Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) – $7.9 million

Julian Nagelsmann represents Germany’s long-term strategic rebuild after years of inconsistent tournament performances following their 2014 World Cup triumph.

A former Bayern Munich coach, he won the Bundesliga title in 2022–23 and is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most innovative tactical coaches, known for fluid systems and positional flexibility. Germany’s federation turned to him to restore identity, intensity, and competitiveness ahead of a tournament where expectations remain extremely high.

1. Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil) – $11.3 million

Carlo Ancelotti stands alone at the top of the salary ranking, and his résumé fully explains it. The Italian coach is the most decorated manager in UEFA Champions League history, winning the competition multiple times with AC Milan and Real Madrid, including the 2022 and 2024 editions with Los Blancos.

Now leading Brazil into the World Cup cycle, he brings unmatched experience managing elite squads under pressure. His appointment signals one objective only: delivering Brazil’s long-awaited sixth World Cup title.

Throughout the tournament’s nearly century-long history, some of the sport’s greatest teams have tried to repeat as champions, but very few have managed to stay on top of the world twice in a row.

Only two countries have ever won consecutive FIFA World Cups. As Argentina prepares to defend the crown it lifted in Qatar 2022, the conversation around back-to-back world champions has returned to the spotlight.

Which countries have won back-to-back FIFA World Cups?

Only Italy and Brazil have won consecutive FIFA World Cups. In nearly 100 years of tournament history, just two nations have successfully defended their world title.

Italy became the first team to achieve the feat after winning the 1934 World Cup on home soil and repeating as champions in France four years later. Led by legendary coach Vittorio Pozzo, the Azzurri defeated Czechoslovakia in the 1934 final and Hungary in the 1938 championship match.

Brazil joined that exclusive club two decades later. The Selecao captured the 1958 World Cup in Sweden behind a breakout performance from a 17-year-old Pele, then successfully defended the trophy in Chile in 1962 despite him suffering an early tournament injury.

Garrincha emerged as Brazil’s star during that title run and helped secure a 3-1 victory over Czechoslovakia in the final. Several countries have come close to matching that achievement, including Argentina and France.

Has any country come close to winning consecutive World Cups?

Yes! Argentina, Brazil and France all reached the World Cup final while trying to defend their title but fell one win short of repeating as champions.

Argentina nearly joined Italy and Brazil after winning the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. Diego Maradona‘s team returned to the final in 1990 but lost 1-0 to West Germany in Rome.

Brazil faced a similar situation after winning the 1994 World Cup in the United States. The Selecao advanced to the 1998 final in Paris, hoping to become the first nation to win back-to-back titles on two separate occasions. Instead, France earned a dominant 3-0 victory behind Zinedine Zidane.

The most recent near miss came from France. After lifting the trophy in Russia in 2018, Didier Deschamps‘ squad returned to the final in Qatar in 2022. Kylian Mbappe scored a hat trick, but Argentina prevailed on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Those examples underline how difficult it is to remain at the top of international soccer across two consecutive World Cup cycles. More than six decades have passed since Brazil became the last team to defend its crown successfully.

Which nation has won the most FIFA World Cups?

Brazil has won more FIFA World Cups than any other nation, with five titles. The Selecao remains the most successful team in tournament history. Their championships came in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.

Those title-winning teams featured some of the greatest players ever, including Pele, Garrincha, Romario, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Germany and Italy rank second with four World Cup titles each, while Argentina moved into third place with three championships after winning the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Brazil also owns another unique World Cup record. The South American giant is the only nation to have appeared in every edition of the FIFA World Cup since the competition began in 1930.

Which teams have reached consecutive World Cup finals?

Five nations have reached consecutive FIFA World Cup finals: Italy, Brazil, the Netherlands, Argentina and France. While only Italy and Brazil managed to win back-to-back titles, each of those countries produced generations capable of returning to soccer’s biggest stage in consecutive tournaments.

Italy was the first nation to achieve the feat, reaching the finals in 1934 and 1938. The Azzurri won both tournaments, defeating Czechoslovakia and Hungary to become the first team to successfully defend the World Cup title.

Brazil followed with consecutive finals in 1958 and 1962, defeating Sweden and Czechoslovakia to lift the trophy both times. The Selecao later put together another remarkable run by reaching three straight World Cup finals in 1994, 1998 and 2002.

The Netherlands became the next nation to reach back-to-back finals. Led by the legendary Johan Cruyff in 1974 and featuring another talented squad in 1978, the Dutch fell short on both occasions, losing to West Germany and Argentina, respectively.

Argentina joined the list after reaching consecutive finals in 1986 and 1990. Inspired by Diego Maradona, La Albiceleste defeated West Germany in Mexico City to win the 1986 World Cup before losing a rematch against the Germans four years later in Rome.

France is the most recent team to accomplish the feat. After winning the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Les Bleus returned to the final in Qatar in 2022. Kylian Mbappe scored a hat trick in one of the greatest finals in tournament history.

Neymar suffered a grade two strain in his right calf during practice, and is expected to miss two to three weeks. Hence, he won’t be playing this game vs Panama and the next friendly against the Egypt.

The last time Neymar suit up for the ‘Canarinha‘ was in October 17, 2023. It was against Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier. He suffered a severe knee injury in that match. It seems that Neymar can’t be healthy during his last experiences

Will Neymar be ready for the 2026 World Cup?

Neymar is racing against the clock, but he is expected to recover in time for the 2026 World Cup. However, it’s the debut that is in jeopardy. It’s likely that he will miss the first game against Morocco, which is the hardest game of the group for Brazil.

He might be back for June 19th’s game against Haiti, and then against Scotland on June 24th. Neymar was one of the last inclusions of Carlo Ancelotti for the 2026 World Cup roster. The Italian manager has also stated that he won’t replace Neymar.

Neymar’s numbers on the World Cup

Neymar has scored eight goals and provided four assists in 13 World Cup matches. He’s played in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups. Despite his great production, Neymar’s World Cup outings have been marked by injuries.

During the 2014 edition, Colombian Juan Camilo Zuñiga did a woeful tackle on Neymar’s back and he ended up missing the semifinals game. In 2022, he missed two group-stage games due to an ankle injury suffered in the first game.

The match remained intense with both sides trading chances, as Panama briefly leveled the score before Brazil regained control through Casemiro’s header from a Vinicius Jr delivery. Brazil continued to dominate possession, with Lucas Paqueta orchestrating play and linking up effectively in the final third.

In the second half, Brazil completely took over the match after multiple substitutions, increasing their attacking pressure and extending the lead with goals from Rayan, Lucas Paqueta, Igor Thiago from the penalty spot, and Danilo. Panama managed to pull one back through Carlos Harvey on the counterattack, but it was not enough to change the outcome as Brazil closed out a comfortable 6-2 victory.

The diagnosis leaves one massive question hanging over the squad: Will Brazil risk keeping Neymar on the tournament roster? Under FIFA regulations, World Cup teams have until 24 hours before their group stage opener to make injury replacements, according to ESPN Brazil. That 24-hour deadline is exactly how long team officials plan to wait on their talisman’s recovery.

While the CBF currently has no intention of cutting Neymar from the final 26-man squad, team doctors are on a strict watch. If his rehabilitation stalls, Brazil may be forced to pivot, replacing the forward with a player from the preliminary pool and sending Neymar home to continue his treatment.

As the clock ticks down, Brazilian fans are anxiously awaiting the next round of medical updates. While the CBF has yet to outline a formal contingency plan, this looming roster deadline could ultimately dictate the tournament fate of a nation desperate to end its 24-year World Cup title drought.

Who could replace Neymar in the roster?

If Neymar’s injury take a turn for the worse, Chelsea’s Joao Pedro appears to be the primary candidate to fill the void. Pedro, who lamented the World Cup snub, shined for Chelsea in 2025-26 and could find himself thrust into the 26-man picture due to these unforeseen medical circumstances.

Another notable name left off the original 26-man squad was teenage phenom Estevao, who also narrowly missed out on the prestigious roster. Navigating these difficult decisions highlights the luxury of riches at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal, though the manager simply couldn’t find room for everyone in his initial selection.

Neymar could miss 2026 World Cup debut

Beyond the speculation surrounding his roster spot, the projected recovery timeline almost certainly rules Neymar out of Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13. If the injury requires the full three weeks to heal, a more realistic target for his tournament debut would be the June 19 clash against Haiti.

The injury drama have cast a cloud of uncertainty over Brazil’s World Cup aspirations. Neymar was poised to be the undisputed focal point of the attack, and his potential absence leaves the squad searching for a true alpha to steady the ship on football’s biggest stage.