Neymar Misses Brazil World Cup Opener As Ancelotti Confirms Injury Update

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar will sit out Brazil’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Morocco at MetLife Stadium, after a calf problem. Ancelotti expects Neymar to recover during the group stage and aims to use the forward in Brazil’s later fixtures in Group C.

The forward sustained the calf injury shortly before the tournament, raising doubts about involvement in the first game. Medical checks have now ruled Neymar out of the Morocco clash, but Ancelotti remains hopeful of a return once Brazil move deeper into their group schedule.

Brazil’s Group C campaign continues against Haiti on 19 June, before a final group match against Scotland on 24 June. Ancelotti believes Neymar can feature in those games and praised the rehabilitation work already done. "Hes working hard to get fit as quickly as possible. We hope he can return to full training next week," said Ancelotti on Neymar.

This World Cup marks Ancelotti’s first as a national team head coach, and the first time a non-Brazilian leads Brazil at the tournament. The coach will manage expectations while missing one of the squad’s key attacking players for the opening assignment in the United States.

Brazil and Morocco are facing each other at a World Cup for only the second time. Their previous meeting came in the 1998 group stage, when Brazil won 3-0. That match included the first World Cup goals for Ronaldo Nazario and Rivaldo, two forwards who later became decisive for Brazil in global tournaments.

This fixture is also the only group-stage game involving two nations currently in the top 10 of the FIFA World Ranking. Brazil sit 6th and Morocco 8th, adding extra focus to the first Group C match. The contest may influence which country finishes top, given both sides’ recent form and defensive records.

Brazil’s overall World Cup record against African nations remains strong. The team has recorded seven wins from eight matches against African opponents in the tournament. The only defeat in that sequence came against Cameroon in 2022, when Brazil lost 1-0 in the group stage after already securing progress to the knockouts.

Preparation for the 2026 tournament has continued with a strong focus on training intensity and togetherness.

Ancelotti has spoken about the squad’s technical level and experience, stressing that Brazil feel ready for the challenge in North America.

Group C scheduling and rankings highlight the importance of each match for Brazil World Cup 2026 ambitions.

Ancelotti has described a balanced tournament picture, suggesting no single nation starts as main favourite. The coach expects several teams to challenge deep into the competition. For Brazil, early results against Morocco, Haiti and Scotland, plus Neymar’s fitness, are likely to shape how far the team can progress at the World Cup.