Carlo Ancelotti has revealed Neymar will miss Brazil’s first game of the 2026 World Cup, but expects the forward to return during the group stage.
The Selecao get their tournament underway on Saturday, when they face Morocco at MetLife Stadium in the first Group C game.
Neymar was a doubt for their opener after suffering a calf injury in the lead-up to the tournament, and has now been ruled out for the match.
Brazil face Haiti on June 19 before closing out their group stage against Scotland on June 24, and Ancelotti is optimistic Neymar will feature in those two games.
“He’s working hard to get fit as quickly as possible. We hope he can return to full training next week,” said Ancelotti on Neymar.
Foco, intensidade e união em cada treino. A contagem regressiva para a estreia na Copa do Mundo continua. pic.twitter.com/iBkae8eAzS
— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) June 10, 2026
Ancelotti will experience his first World Cup as head coach; he is the first non-Brazilian to lead the Selecao at the tournament.
Brazil and Morocco will meet at the World Cup for the second time, after a 3-0 win for Brazil in the 1998 group stage – a match which featured Ronaldo Nazario and Rivaldo’s first World Cup goals.
Brazil have won seven of their eight World Cup matches against African opposition, with the sole exception being a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in 2022.
This clash is also the only group-stage fixture to feature two teams currently inside the top 10 of the FIFA World Ranking (Brazil 6th, Morocco 8th).
“This is a team which can compete with anyone,” Ancelotti added.
“We can face up to any team. We have technical quality and experience and we are absolutely confident we can face up to any team.
“We have a good feeling about this World Cup. We’re ready and prepared. At this point there is no clear favourite for the World Cup. Several teams will have the opportunity to compete all the way to the end.”
