Reports indicate that Neymar will miss Brazil’s first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a Group C clash against Morocco on Saturday, June 13, 2026, scheduled for 6:00 PM Eastern Time (3:00 PM Pacific Time) as he continues recovering from injury.
Softfootball earlier reported that the Brazil Football Federation confirmed Neymar underwent an MRI scan on Monday, 8 June 2026, with results showing he is in good condition and progressing as expected. However, he is not yet fully ready for competitive action, meaning he will sit out the opener.
The decision has intensified criticism directed at Carlo Ancelotti and the Brazilian Football Federation, with many fans and pundits questioning why João Pedro was left out of the squad while an injured Neymar was included.
Some argue that selecting Neymar despite his fitness concerns created unnecessary pressure on the squad, while others insist that his experience and influence justify the risk.
