Brazil could be without star forward Neymar for the remainder of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, with reports suggesting the veteran attacker is unlikely to return to action before the knockout rounds.
According to ESPN, Neymar is still recovering from the muscle tear he suffered in mid-May and has yet to resume full training with the Brazilian squad.
The 34-year-old was included in Brazil’s World Cup squad despite concerns over his fitness and missed the team’s two World Cup warm-up matches against Panama and Egypt.
He was also present on the bench during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Morocco. However, he was not dressed in a playing kit and remained unavailable for selection.
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Brazil are scheduled to face Haiti on Friday before taking on Scotland in their final Group C fixture on June 24, but reports indicate Neymar could miss both matches as he continues his rehabilitation.
Sources told ESPN that Neymar repeated the same medical examination he underwent a week ago, with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) yet to confirm the results.
The forward was absent from training again on Monday at the New York Red Bulls training centre, raising further doubts over his short-term availability.
Brazilian media reports suggest the national team’s medical staff are targeting a return during the knockout phase should Brazil progress beyond the group stage.
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Head coach Carlo Ancelotti had previously expressed optimism regarding Neymar’s recovery but stopped short of putting a definitive timeline on his return.
“Neymar is working very hard to recover as soon as possible,” Ancelotti said before Brazil’s opening match against Morocco. “Our expectation is that he will recover and rejoin the group next week.”
The Italian tactician also stressed that Neymar’s inclusion in the squad was about more than just his ability on the pitch.
“When we included him in the roster, we added him for his technical abilities, which are indisputable. But we also want him for his experience and the example he sets for the young players on the team,” Ancelotti added.
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