RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil have received an encouraging update on the fitness of star forward Neymar Jr. ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirming that the veteran attacker is making positive progress in his recovery from a calf injury.
Neymar has been sidelined since suffering a grade-two muscle tear last month, an injury that was initially expected to keep him out of action for up to three weeks.
With Brazil’s World Cup campaign fast approaching, concerns had grown over whether the country’s all-time leading goalscorer would be fit in time for the tournament.
However, a follow-up medical examination conducted earlier this week produced encouraging results. In a brief statement, the CBF said the latest scan showed the 34-year-old’s rehabilitation remains on schedule.
“The exam showed good progress in his treatment, within expected parameters,” the CBF said. “He will continue the recovery and physical preparation process planned by the Brazilian National Team’s medical staff.”
Neymar has already missed Brazil’s two warm-up fixtures before the World Cup, including their emphatic 6-2 victory over Panama and a 2-1 win over Egypt.
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Despite the positive update, his availability for Brazil’s opening Group C fixture against Morocco on June 13 remains uncertain.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player has endured a difficult period due to injuries in recent years.
In October 2023, he suffered a serious knee injury while representing Brazil against Uruguay, rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee.
After returning to Brazilian football with Santos in early 2025, Neymar has continued battling fitness setbacks but remains determined to feature on the biggest stage once again.
With 79 goals in 128 appearances for Brazil, Neymar is the nation’s all-time leading scorer and is aiming to play in his fourth FIFA World Cup, having previously featured in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.
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