Short answer: Neymar is on Brazil’s 2026 World Cup roster, but he did not play in the opening match against Morocco. He is still recovering from a calf injury and has not made his tournament debut.
Brazil began the tournament at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and Neymar’s absence was one of the biggest talking points. The forward was named to the squad, but he was not available for the first game.
Why Neymar is on the roster
Coach Carlo Ancelotti included the 34-year-old Santos forward in Brazil’s final 26-man squad, even though his fitness was still a concern. The call reflected Neymar’s experience, leadership, and long record with the national team.
Ancelotti’s view was straightforward: Neymar was selected because he can still influence a match, whether through a brief appearance, a full runout, or a decisive moment from the spot. The decision also gave Brazil another veteran presence in a young group.
| Topic | Current status |
|---|---|
| Squad spot | Included in Brazil’s 26-man roster |
| Opening match | Did not play against Morocco |
| Injury issue | Calf problem |
| Training status | Not yet back to full training before the opener |
Why he missed Morocco
The reason was simple: Neymar was not fit enough to play. He was still recovering from a calf injury and had not returned to full training before Brazil’s first match. Ancelotti ruled him out on matchday, and he did not even dress for the game.
This is the latest setback in a long stretch of injury trouble. Neymar had not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a loss to Uruguay. A strong run with Santos helped him earn a recall, but he was not ready to contribute in the opener.
Ancelotti has remained optimistic, saying Neymar is working to recover quickly and is expected to rejoin training soon.
How Brazil handled the first match without him
Brazil managed a 1-1 draw with Morocco, although the performance was uneven. Morocco looked sharper for much of the first half and forced Brazil to defend under pressure.
Morocco struck first in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari lifted the ball over Alisson after Brazil were caught trying to build from the back. Brazil answered eleven minutes later through Vinícius Júnior, who combined well on the left before finishing cleanly past Yassine Bounou.
The result extended Brazil’s impressive record in World Cup openers. The five-time champions have now gone 21 straight tournament openers without a loss, with their last opening defeat coming against Spain in 1934.
When Neymar could return
Brazil’s next Group C match is against Haiti on Friday, June 19, in Philadelphia. The group stage ends against Scotland on Wednesday, June 24, in Miami Gardens.
If Neymar is cleared to train with the squad the week of the Haiti match, that game is the first realistic chance for him to play. If he needs more time, the Scotland match becomes the more likely debut. Brazil will want him available before the knockout rounds begin.
What his absence means
Neymar’s injury keeps Brazil from using one of its most experienced attackers, but it does not change his importance to the squad. He remains the country’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, and he has already passed Pelé’s mark of 77.
At 34, this is widely expected to be his final World Cup. He has never reached a final in his previous tournaments, and his ability to stay healthy may determine how much more he adds to his international legacy.
Quick answers
Is Neymar playing in the World Cup?
Yes, he is in Brazil’s squad, but he has not played yet because of a calf injury.
Why did Neymar miss Morocco?
He was still recovering and had not returned to full training, so he was ruled out of the opener.
When might he play?
The earliest likely chance is the Haiti match on June 19, with Scotland on June 24 as the next option.
What was the Brazil-Morocco score?
The match ended 1-1, with Ismael Saibari scoring for Morocco and Vinícius Júnior equalizing for Brazil.
How long has Neymar been out for Brazil?
He had not appeared for the national team since October 2023, when he suffered a torn ACL against Uruguay.