Brazilian forward Neymar is a major doubt for Brazil’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a calf injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for up to three weeks.
According to Brazil’s national team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, the 34-year-old Santos star has been diagnosed with a grade-two muscle injury confirmed by MRI scans.
“Our expectation is that he will be available in two to three weeks,” Lasmar said, adding that Neymar will miss Brazil’s pre-World Cup friendlies against Panama and Egypt.
The injury raises concerns that Neymar could also miss Brazil’s opening World Cup fixture against Morocco on June 13.
Neymar had already sat out Brazil’s first training session upon arriving at the national team camp, having recently struggled with a “slight injury” while playing for Santos.
His inclusion in Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man World Cup squad had surprised many, given his recent fitness struggles and limited national team appearances over the past few years.
Despite the setback, Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances and is set to feature in what would be his fourth World Cup if he recovers in time.
His last appearance for the national team came in 2023 during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
