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Ancelotti confirms Neymar will miss Brazil's World Cup opener

4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 13, 2026, 8:10 AM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

Ancelotti confirms Neymar will miss Brazil's World Cup opener

Summary

Carlo Ancelotti announced that Neymar will miss Brazil's opening World Cup match against Morocco on Saturday due to a calf injury. The 34-year-old forward has not yet returned to full training and is expected to begin practicing with the squad next week, leaving his participation in Brazil's second game against Haiti on June 20 in doubt. Neymar has not played for the national team since 2023 due to ongoing injury issues but was selected for the tournament after surpassing Pele as Brazil's record goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 caps. Brazil's group campaign also includes a match against Scotland on June 24.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Neymar has struggled with a calf injury.
•He is confirmed out for the first match against Morocco.
•Ancelotti expects Neymar to train next week.
•Brazil plays Haiti on June 20 and Scotland on June 24.
•Neymar is Brazil's all-time leading scorer.

Latest Updates

8:10 AMYahoo Sports — Ancelotti confirms Neymar will miss World Cup opener against Morocco
6:18 AMYahoo Sports — Ancelotti confirms Neymar will miss Brazil opener
6:18 AMBBC Sport — Ancelotti confirms Neymar will miss Brazil opener

What they're saying

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Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar will miss Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on Saturday. The 34-year-old hasn’t played for the Selecao since 2023 due to his struggles with injuries.�...
— Yahoo Sports