Brazil coach says veteran called up to set example for younger players

Neymar takes part in a training session at Columbia Park in Morristown, New Jersey, on Saturday. [AFP]
Neymar takes part in a training session at Columbia Park in Morristown, New Jersey, on Saturday. [AFP]

Brazilian superstar Neymar of Santos will miss his country's opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to a lingering injury.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters at a pre-match press conference Saturday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, that Neymar is working hard to recover as quickly as possible. "I hope he can return to normal training next week," Ancelotti said. The press conference was held ahead of Brazil's Group C opener against Morocco.

Neymar will not feature when Brazil face Morocco at the stadium Sunday at 7 a.m. The forward had been included in Brazil's final World Cup roster despite persistent fitness concerns, but a calf injury sustained in mid-May has disrupted his preparations.

Brazil's all-time leading scorer in international play with 79 goals, Neymar had been absent from the national team since October 2023 due to a series of injuries. Although he made the World Cup squad, he missed both pre-tournament friendlies while continuing to recover.

Brazil's team physician said late last month that Neymar would need two to three weeks to recover, raising doubts about his availability for the group-stage opener — and those doubts have now been confirmed.

Brazil continue their group-stage campaign against Haiti on June 20 and Scotland on June 25. Even if Neymar returns to full training next week as Ancelotti suggested, it remains uncertain whether he will be match-fit in time for the second group game against Haiti.

Ancelotti added that Neymar was called up not only for his undisputed ability but also to pass on his experience and serve as a role model for younger players.

Brazil's opener comes against a Morocco side that reached the semifinals at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and won the Africa Cup of Nations, which concluded in January.

"There are no weak teams in modern football. Morocco is one of the best teams in Africa," Ancelotti said. "We need to deliver a perfect performance in every aspect."


yjc@heraldcorp.com