Neymar Junior’s inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup in North America has been met with uncertainty. The veteran forward faces potentially limited game time after sustaining a calf injury just two weeks before the tournament’s commencement.
Neymar had been actively playing with Santos recently, aiming to impress Ancelotti and secure a spot in the 26-man roster. However, his team’s recent defeat against Coritiba proved costly, as the 34-year-old aggravated an existing calf issue.
While Santos initially downplayed the severity of Neymar’s condition, subsequent tests conducted with the Brazilian national team’s medical staff have confirmed a grade two calf injury, as reported by the Brazil Football Federation (via Marca).
“Yesterday, Neymar underwent all the medical tests, including an MRI, which revealed a grade two injury in his calf. He is expected to recover in two to three weeks.”
Although the injury will not rule Neymar out of the entire 2026 World Cup, the projected three-week recovery period means he is set to miss Brazil’s opening fixture against Morocco, scheduled for June 13th in New Jersey. He is, however, anticipated to be fit for Brazil’s second match against Haiti, which takes place six days later.
This setback is far from ideal for the former Barcelona star as he enters a major tournament. It could also disrupt Ancelotti’s tactical plans if the manager had intended for Neymar to be a key starter from the outset.
