Brazil‘s assault appeared a step sluggish towards Morocco on Saturday, and the lacking piece was apparent to anybody watching. Neymar wasn’t on the sphere, and his absence has became one of many loudest storylines of the event again residence.
The 34-year-old ahead has been dominated out of Brazil’s second Group C match towards Haiti as he continues recovering from a grade two calf harm suffered whereas taking part in for Santos on May 17.
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The BFC confirmed Neymar stayed behind on the staff’s base in New Jersey for rehab as an alternative of touring with the squad to Philadelphia.
There was already some debate when Carlo Ancelotti named Neymar to Brazil’s last 26-man World Cup squad, given his health considerations. He’s returned to gentle conditioning work and elements of staff coaching however he is not but cleared for match motion.
Brazil’s Neymar Jr. throughout coaching – FIFA World Cup 2026IMAGN IMAGES by way of Reuters – Caean Couto
Ancelotti seems to be taking part in it protected, with hopes that Neymar may very well be prepared for the ultimate group stage match towards Scotland on June 24 in Miami if Brazil secures its place earlier than then.
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Brazil’s President Joins the Criticism
The frustration in Brazil reached the very best degree of presidency this week. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva publicly weighed in on Neymar’s scenario and his place on the roster.
“Neymar isn’t even playing, dude,” Lula mentioned in Portuguese, per Ataque Futbolero. “I saw something yesterday. Neymar is the first player in the world called up for remote work.”
The remark solely added extra consideration to a scenario that was already drawing jokes and criticism throughout the nation.
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Neymar stays Brazil’s all time main scorer with 79 worldwide objectives, a quantity that pushed him previous Pelé within the file books. This World Cup marks his fourth look within the event following journeys in 2014, 2018, and 2022, the place he scored eight objectives mixed.
Brazil opened its marketing campaign with a 1-1 draw towards Morocco at MetLife Stadium, and the assault struggled to generate constant possibilities with out him. His potential to create house and break down defensive form was clearly missed, leaving Ancelotti’s aspect extra predictable within the last third.
That’s fueled debate amongst followers questioning whether or not a roster spot ought to have gone to a totally wholesome attacking choice as an alternative. Ancelotti has stood agency on the choice regardless.
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He’s pointed to Neymar’s management and presence within the locker room as worth that goes past what he presents on the sphere, particularly throughout a event run like this one.
This story was initially revealed by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2026, the place it first appeared within the Soccer part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.