Recent reports confirm that Neymar will not participate in Brazil’s opening match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a Group C game against Morocco on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The match is set to kick off at 6:00 PM Eastern Time (3:00 PM Pacific Time) as he is still recovering from an injury.
Softfootball previously reported that the Brazil Football Federation announced Neymar underwent an MRI on Monday, June 8, 2026, revealing that he is in good condition and recovering as anticipated. Despite this positive news, he is not adequately prepared for competitive play, leading to his absence in the first match.
This decision has sparked increased criticism towards Carlo Ancelotti and the Brazilian Football Federation, with many supporters and analysts questioning the rationale behind including an injured Neymar while leaving João Pedro off the roster.
Critics point out that choosing Neymar, given his injury issues, places undue stress on the team. Conversely, some believe that his experience and leadership warrant such a calculated risk.
