Ancelotti confirms Neymar will miss World Cup opener against Morocco

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar will miss Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on Saturday. 

The 34-year-old hasn’t played for the Selecao since 2023 due to his struggles with injuries. 

Neymar was picked by Ancelotti for the 2026 World Cup, but he will not play in the opening match due to a calf injury. 

The Brazil head coach expects the forward to start training with the squad next week, making his availability for their second game against Haiti also doubtful. 

Ancelotti said: “Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible.

“The expectation is that he will recover and rejoin the group next week.”

Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 matches. 

He has represented his country at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions of the World Cup. 

But at 34, the forward is no longer the force he once was and his selection by Ancelotti has raised a few eyebrows. 

Chelsea’s Joao Pedro struck 20 goals across all competitions last season, but there was no place for him in the national side. 

Ancelotti is tasked with steering Brazil to their first World Cup triumph since 2002. 

The Selecao face a stern test in their opening game against Morocco, who look to emulate their historic semi-final run at the previous edition in Qatar. 

Brazil haven’t been at their free-flowing best in recent months, but they have the experience and talent to go deep into the knockout rounds. 

Stats from Transfermarkt