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 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.

According to the update provided by Brazil‘s team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, Neymar has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. The injury carries an estimated recovery timeline of two to three weeks, leaving manager Carlo Ancelotti without his talismanic forward for upcoming exhibition matches against Egypt and Panama.

If his rehabilitation goes perfectly, Neymar could potentially return in time for the World Cup opener against Morocco. However, if his recovery stretches to the later end of that window, he will sit out the debut and target Brazil’s second group-stage match against Haiti on June 19.

Neymar has been vocal about his emotional drive to bring the trophy back to Brazil in what is widely expected to be his international swansong. Now, with a dark cloud of uncertainty hanging over his fitness, the soccer world faces a tense waiting game to see when—or if—the Brazilian icon will take the pitch in North America.

Potential replacements for Neymar during his recovery

Ahead of the upcoming friendlies, Ancelotti must quickly pivot to find a replacement for the cornerstone of his attack. Fortunately for the Italian tactician, Brazil’s final roster boast an embarrassment of riches, giving him plenty of high-caliber options to experiment with.

As Neymar has evolved from a touchline winger into a central playmaker who operates closer to the box, Ancelotti could turn to Matheus Cunha or Endrick, both of whom are coming off stellar club campaigns. How the manager fills the void will ultimately dictate how he deploys his other world-class wing talent, including Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha.

Brazil’s projected lineup without Neymar

Friendlies against Panama on May 31 and Egypt on June 6 will serve as an audition for players vying to start the tournament opener against Morocco. With foundational pieces like Vinicius Jr. and Alisson Becker locked into the starting XI, here is a look at how Brazil are projected to line up without Neymar:

• Goalkeeper: Alisson
• Defenders: Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos
• Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta
• Forwards: Raphinha, Endrick, Vinicius Junior

The tournament in North America is expected to be the final World Cup appearance for all three superstars unless injuries change those plans. Depending on how the group stage unfolds, several possible knockout matchups could place Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar on opposite sides before the final in July.

Argentina, Portugal, and Brazil all enter the competition with high expectations, but the road to a possible showdown will depend heavily on where each team finishes during the opening phase of the tournament.

When could Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo face each other?

A Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo matchup remains one of the biggest possibilities of the 2026 World Cup. The most likely scenario could happen in the quarterfinals if both Argentina and Portugal finish first in their groups and advance through the opening knockout rounds. That matchup would reportedly take place in Kansas City.

Messi and Ronaldo, who are set to share a World Cup record, could meet in the Round of 32 on July 3 if Portugal win their group and Argentina advance as one of the best third‑place teams. Another possible scenario could place them against each other in the Round of 16 on July 6 in Dallas if both nations finish second in their groups.

Neymar could also cross paths with Messi or Ronaldo

Neymar’s return to the Brazil national team under coach Carlo Ancelotti added even more excitement to the tournament. Brazil will begin the competition against Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland, while Argentina faces Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Portugal’s group includes Colombia, Congo, and Uzbekistan.

A Neymar vs. Messi showdown would only be possible in the final if both teams win their groups and advance through every knockout round. The other potential meeting is a semifinal, depending on how the bracket is arranged.

Meanwhile, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo could only meet in the final if both Brazil and Portugal win their groups. If one team finishes second, the matchup could happen earlier in the semifinals. And if both advance without topping their groups, there’s even a slight chance they meet in the Round of 16.

The 2026 World Cup will also mark the end of an era for several veteran stars. Players such as Luka Modric, Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, and James Rodriguez are also expected to play in their final World Cup tournaments.

At the same time, a new generation featuring Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal, Cole Palmer, and Endrick will begin taking center stage in what could become one of the most emotional World Cups in recent history.

“We’re together, Rapha… we are going to win this!” a tearful Neymar told Raphinha shortly after the roster dropped. The raw emotion has injected a massive wave of optimism across Brazil, especially since the veteran forward was widely considered a long shot to make the final cut for the upcoming tournament.

Neymar also implored fans to mark his words, expressing unwavering confidence that the Brazilian squad can hoist the trophy if they remain united. “We will give it all. We need to bring it back to Brazil,” Neymar remarked during the call.

As the Canarinha faithful celebrated the news, Ancelotti addressed the media to explain his decision to include Neymar in the final 26-man roster. Expectations are sky-high, as Brazil clearly did not hesitate to bring every ounce of elite, game-changing talent available to North America.

Neymar’s form forced Ancelotti’s hand

While Neymar’s inclusion in the final 26-man World Cup roster drew some debate regarding his current match fitness, his sheer talent remains undeniable. He has proven to be an absolute lifeline for Santos, carrying the club despite its highly turbulent domestic campaign so far.

While other notable stars like Joao Pedro were surprisingly snubbed from the final squad—leaving them with nothing but a consolation message from Ancelotti—Neymar spent the year proving he is built for the big stage. Here is a look at his production with Santos this season:

• Appearances: 15 (8 Brasileirão, 3 Copa Sudamericana, 2 Copa do Brasil, 2 Campeonato Paulista)
• Goals: 6
• Assists: 4
• Yellow Cards: 7
• Minutes Played: 1,265

Projected starting XI for Brazil at the World Cup

With Neymar pulling the strings in midfield, anticipation is building over what Brazil can accomplish in this North American-hosted tournament. The Verdeamarela are desperate to replicate their iconic 1994 run, the last time the World Cup was held in the United States, which culminated in a thrilling penalty-shootout victory over Italy.

Here is how Brazil are projected to line up:

Alisson Becker; Wesley Franca, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Alex Sandro; Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro; Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Endrick.

“My view of one of the most emotional and happiest days of my life,” the forward wrote through his official Instagram account @neymarjr with an emotional video, where was seen in tears after the announcement. “Thank you, Brazil.”

With this nomination, Neymar Jr. will play in his fourth World Cup. His first appearance came at the 2014 World Cup hosted in Brazil, followed by Russia 2018, while Qatar 2022 was the last edition he played in.

The serious injury he suffered in 2023 while playing in the World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay had marked a turning point in the forward’s call-ups. After more than two and a half years, Neymar is back for what might be his last dance.

Brazil boast a fearsome attack

For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil‘s manager Carlo Ancelotti has selected a formidable and dynamic attacking line-up to lead the Selecao’s frontline. The squad features a blend of seasoned superstars and elite young talent, highlighted by the veteran leadership of Neymar and the explosive Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.

They are joined by Barcelona’s creative winger Raphinha and Arsenal’s sharp forward Gabriel Martinelli. Providing physical presence and tactical depth in the attack are Matheus Cunha of Manchester United, Lyon’s rising sensation Endrick, and Zenit’s versatile Luiz Henrique.

Completing this lethal roster are Premier League dangerous attackers Igor Thiago from Brentford and Rayan from Bournemouth, offering Ancelotti a wealth of tactical options to chase the coveted sixth world title.

Opponents and schedule for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup

• June 13, 2026: vs. Morocco (MetLife Stadium, New Jersey)
• June 19, 2026: vs. Haiti (Lincoln Financial Stadium, Philadelphia)
• June 24, 2026: vs. Scotland (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami)

“We spent the entire year analyzing Neymar. We realized that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition,” Ancelotti said. After battling plenty of injuries and his own age, Neymar was called up for 2026 World Cup but Carlo Ancelotti snubbed other Brazil players from Qatar 2022.

Not only that, but Ancelotti made clear the role Neymar will have in the tournament. “Neymar will be an important player for us at the World Cup,” meaning, he is not going for the sake of it, and he should see plenty of minutes.

Ancelotti snubbed some key names to get Neymar

Everyone was wondering which attackers would be called up to represent Brazil in the 2026 World Cup. When Neymar name was called, the place exploded in applause. However, there were some collateral damages.

For instance, two strikers from the Premier League like Joao Pedro and Richarlison will not go. Richarlison has taken a dip in form, but Joao Pedro was seen by many as a certain name to attend the World Cup. Now, he’ll have to wait until the next one.

Neymar can play different roles for Brazil in 2026 World Cup

While being 34 will get your speed away, Neymar is still talented enough to make his runs at the wing. However, he can play as a No.10, as a second striker, a false 9, or in desperate times, as the main man up front.

Neymar is not only very talented, but he has a huge skill set. Pair that to his knack for goals, and the intelligence to play in a variety of roles. Hence, Ancelotti can move him like a chess piece, and he will deliver.

The roster features several notable omissions, with the absence of seven 2022 World Cup participants. Alex Telles, Thiago Silva, Everton Ribeiro, Richarlison, Gabriel Jesus, and Fred won’t be able to represent the ‘Scratch du Oro‘ after Carlo Ancelotti opted to call other options instead of them. Dani Alves has retired from soccer.

Eder Militao and Rodrygo won’t take part due to injury. After all, Ancelotti is bringing a new style and new methods to Brazil. During Qatar 2022, the manager was Tite, so many changes have been made from the managerial side as well.

Brazil’s final roster for 2026 World Cup

Ancelotti previously gave his 55-man preliminary list, but now, he’s made official the 26-man final roster. The ‘Canarinha‘ is seeking its sixth World Cup championship. Brazil are the nation who have won it the most with five, followed by Italy and Germany with four, and Argentina with three.

Here is Brazil’s final 26-man 2026 World Cup list:

• Goalkeepers
  • Alisson – Liverpool
  • Ederson – Fenerbahce
  • Weverton – Gremio
• Defenders
  • Marquinhos – PSG
  • Gabriel Magalhaes – Arsenal
  • Bremer – Juventus
  • Danilo – Flamengo
  • Alex Sandro – Flamengo
  • Wesley – Roma
  • Douglas Santos – Zenit
  • Roger Ibanez – Al Ahli
  • Leo Pereira – Flamengo
• Midfielders
  • Casemiro – Manchester United
  • Lucas Paqueta – Flamengo
  • Bruno Guimaraes – Newcastle
  • Fabinho – Al Ittihad
  • Danilo Santos – Botafogo
• Forwards
  • Neymar – Santos
  • Vini Jr. – Real Madrid
  • Raphinha – Barcelona
  • Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal
  • Matheus Cunha – Manchester United
  • Endrick – Lyon
  • Luiz Henrique – Zenit
  • Igor Thiago – Brentford
  • Rayan – Bournemouth

Neymar gets a last chance to guide Brazil to the promised land

Neymar has played every World Cup for Brazil since 2014 but his efforts to give Brazil a World Cup have ended in heartbreaking fashion. In 2014, he was playing greatly, but an ill-fated tackle from Colombia’s Camilo Zuniga ended up injuring him and sidelining him from the semifinals vs. Germany, where they lost 1-7.

In 2018, Neymar and Brazil were on great track but they fell to Belgium’s golden generation with an outstanding game from Eden Hazard. They ended up losing that game, and in 2022, they drew 1-1 against Croatia with Neymar scoring in that match, but Brazil ended up losing in the penalty shootout. Now, at 34 years old, Neymar hopes to get a glorious swan song.

October 18, 2023 not only marked that the last time he saw action for the Canarinha, but it was also the last moment his name was called up until today. A name that many fans were calling for, while others were just as opposed to his presence.

That match was played at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, Uruguay, and Neymar suffered a devastating injury that kept him out of action for a long time: he tore the ligaments and meniscus in his left knee.

With the 2026 World Cup as the next major target, Brazilian fans now have plenty of reasons to be excited. One of their top performers in recent years will be present in the tournament across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as Brazil look to secure their sixth World Cup title.

Carlo Ancelotti restores confidence in Neymar

Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 matches played. Despite this, coaches such as Mano Menezes, Fernando Diniz, and Dorival Junior left his name out of squad selections during this period, even Carlo Ancelotti himself.

“If Neymar is at 100 percent, he can obviously make it to the World Cup. If he is not in this latest squad, it is because I do not see him at 100 percent. Neymar has to keep working and playing, show his qualities and good physical condition,” the Italian manager had stated to the press following the latest friendlies.

Evidently, the 34-year-old Santos forward ended up convincing Ancelotti that he should be part of the national team in the big tournament.

Carlo Ancelotti’s selected forwards

In addition to the star presence of Neymar among the squad for the upcoming World Cup, Carlo Ancelotti also called up Vinicius Junior, Endrick, and Raphinha, blending experience and youth.

• Neymar – Santos
• Vini Jr. – Real Madrid
• Raphinha – Barcelona
• Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal
• Matheus Cunha – Manchester United
• Endrick – Lyon
• Luiz Henrique – Zenit
• Igor Thiago – Brentford
• Rayan – Bournemouth

Brazil’s 2026 World Cup schedule and opponents

Brazil will kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign in Group Stage action with three distinct matchups in the United States. They open their tournament against Morocco on Saturday, June 13th, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Six days later, on Friday, June 19th, the Selecao will head to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia to face Haiti. Finally, they will wrap up the group stage on Wednesday, June 24th, squaring off against Scotland at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Per a report from La Gazetta Dello Sport, details emerged via Ancelotti’s son Davide Ancelotti that Neymar was indeed part of the provisional list submitted to FIFA. “If he’s on that list, it’s because his physical condition is improving. Then, until May 18, we’ll reduce the list to the 26 who will travel to the United States,” Ancelotti’s son stated.

Now, the superstar has two high-stakes fixtures against Coritiba—spanning both the Copa do Brasil on May 13 and the Brasileirao on May 17—to convince Ancelotti that he deserves a spot in the final 26-man roster, which is expected to be announced on Monday next week.

His potential inclusion has ignited a firestorm across Brazilian social media, with Estevao’s injury in the middle and particularly after he was left out of the Selecao’s friendlies in March. For the former Barcelona icon, this represents a final opportunity to prove he is fit for what would likely be his World Cup swan song.

Neymar’s form with Santos this season

While the Brazilian faithful maintain a deep bond with Neymar, his individual brilliance hasn’t translated to team success for Santos. The club currently languishes in 15th place in the Brasileirao standings, managing just 18 points through 15 matches. Their continental form is even more dire, as Santos sit at the bottom of Group D in the Copa Sudamericana with a mere three points from four games.

Here is a look at Neymar’s statistical output during his current stint with Santos:

Neymar’s 2026 injury history

Durability remains the primary concern for Neymar, who has already been sidelined by two separate injuries in 2026. His absence has severely handicapped Santos, causing him to miss a critical Copa Sudamericana clash against Deportivo Cuenca and six matches during the Campeonato Paulista, stretches of inactivity that will surely weigh heavily on Ancelotti’s final decision.

Neymar was initially sidelined from January 9 to February 15 with persistent knee soreness, a blow that effectively derailed Santos’ Campeonato Paulista ambitions. More recently, he was placed on a specialized “rest and conditioning” program in early May to manage his physical workload ahead of the international break.

According to Geglobo, Robinho has accused Neymar of assault and has threatened to leave the club. The player’s representative sent an extrajudicial demand letter this Monday to the club, demanding measures regarding the incident involving Neymar during Sunday’s session.

Neymar is accused of insults, tripping Robinho, and slapping violent. According to Infobae, the investigation will be carried out by the club’s legal department, as detailed in a brief official statement released to the press.

What made Neymar react like this?

According to reports, this conflict originated after a dribble from the youngster that made Neymar uncomfortable. The experienced midfielder reacted by asking for calm. However, his response was a trip that led to pushing and scuffling between the two players. Witnesses even mentioned a slap during the altercation.

The club turns a deaf ear to the situation

As mentioned before, Santos responded quickly. In a statement, they informed that by order of the presidency, an investigation has already begun, led by the Legal Department. The club is analyzing the incident that occurred on May 3 and promises measures.

Meanwhile, Neymar is expected to start on Tuesday, May 5, against Deportivo Recoleta in Asuncion, in the Copa Sudamericana. The Brazilian returns to play with the focus on the pitch, but with the scandal outside.

And not only that, for Neymar, who is looking for that spot in the 2026 World Cup, getting involved in these kinds of situations is not favorable, and even worse if this leads to missing matches with the club. Carlo Ancelotti has an eye on the situation.