Brazil star forward Neymar could make his return from injury in either the team’s opening or second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, May 30, at Granja Comary in Teresópolis, Ancelotti expressed confidence that the 34-year-old attacker will recover in time to play a significant role in the tournament.
Earlier, concerns had emerged over Neymar’s availability for the World Cup after he suffered a muscle injury in his leg. However, Ancelotti indicated that the Brazilian star could regain fitness before Brazil’s opening match against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey.
“We believe Neymar will return very soon,” Ancelotti said. “If he cannot play in the opening match, we expect him to be available for the second game.”
Due to the injury, Neymar will miss Brazil’s two World Cup warm-up matches against Panama and Egypt. Brazil are scheduled to face Panama at the Maracanã on Sunday, May 31, before beginning their World Cup training camp in New Jersey. They will then play their final preparatory match against Egypt in Cleveland on June 6.
Neymar’s inclusion in Brazil’s 26-man World Cup squad surprised many observers, as he had spent nearly three years away from the national team because of recurring injuries and inconsistent form.
Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, Neymar has netted 79 goals in 128 appearances for the national team. The 2026 tournament is set to be the fourth World Cup of his career.
