Carlo Ancelotti Delivers Tough Neymar Update Ahead of Brazil Opener
Carlo Ancelotti has finally given Brazil national team fans the Neymar update they were waiting for, but it is not exactly encouraging. With the World Cup now underway, there has been plenty of attention on which injured stars will be ready in time for their opening games, and Neymar has been one of the biggest names in that conversation.
The 34-year-old had been trying to recover from a calf issue before Brazil's first match against the Morocco national team, but Ancelotti has now confirmed that he will not be available for the opener and could even miss the rest of the group stage. For Brazil, it is a frustrating setback before their campaign has even properly begun.
Neymar Jr. will miss Brazil's World Cup opening match vs. Morocco and could be sidelined throughout the entire group stage, coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Friday.
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 12, 2026
The 34-year-old is still suffering from the after-effects of a calf injury. pic.twitter.com/wRPnhY4k1U
Ancelotti's decision to bring Neymar in was always about more than simply picking another forward. Brazil know he is not the same guaranteed presence he once was, but his influence around the group still carries weight, especially with so many younger players trying to handle the pressure of a World Cup.
That is why the coaching staff are still taking a patient approach. Neymar is continuing his recovery work, and the hope is that he can step back into full sessions soon enough to still have a part to play later in the tournament. For now, though, Brazil have to move forward without forcing the issue.
His situation had already raised eyebrows before the squad even arrived at the tournament. Neymar had missed Brazil's final warm-up games, and his absence from training before the Morocco match only added to the feeling that he was not ready to be thrown back in.
Even so, his teammates clearly still see him as a major figure. Vinícius Júnior spoke warmly about him, describing Neymar as someone he looks up to and saying he wants to see him back on the field as soon as possible.
Morocco, on the other hand, are not making too much of the situation. Their staff say they prepared for either version of Brazil, with or without Neymar involved. Still, Achraf Hakimi admitted there is a little disappointment, because matches like this are exactly when players want to test themselves against the biggest names in the sport.
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This story was originally published June 13, 2026 at 12:52 AM.