Will Neymar Play Brazil's Next World Cup Match? Latest Injury Update After Morocco Draw
Brazil's pursuit of a record sixth FIFA World Cup title kicked off on Saturday, but the Selecao did not get their desired result. Carlo Ancelotti's side opened their 2026 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco, leaving the five-time world champions with work to do heading into their second match of the tournament.
Morocco struck first in the 21st minute through Ismael Saibari, who finished off a rapid counterattack after Brazil were caught out defensively. Vinicius Junior restored parity in the 32nd minute, firing home after a clever move involving Bruno Guimaraes. Neither side could find a winner after the break, forcing Brazil to settle for a point in their opening fixture.
Brazil was without its all-time leading scorer Neymar, who watched from the sidelines as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.
With attention already turning toward Brazil's next group-stage match, the biggest question is whether Neymar will be available.
Carlo Ancelotti Provides Neymar Recovery Update
Neymar, 34, suffered a grade-two calf strain before the tournament and has yet to train with the full squad since arriving in camp. Brazil have not provided a specific timetable for his return, but Ancelotti offered an encouraging update before the Morocco match.
"Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible," Ancelotti said. "The expectation is that he can rejoin the group [training] next week" (h/t Fabrizio Romano).
BREAKING: Neymar Jr to miss Brazil vs Morocco opening game but back next week.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 12, 2026
"Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible. The expectation is that he will recover and rejoin the group next week". pic.twitter.com/8aFLuHyo11
Ancelotti has consistently maintained that Brazil have no plans to replace Neymar in the squad, signaling confidence that the forward will play some role later in the tournament. The manager previously indicated that all 26 players remain part of his plans despite Neymar's current absence.
While no official timeline has been announced, the expectation around the Brazilian camp is that Neymar will miss at least one more match before his fitness is reassessed. Reports prior to the tournament suggested the injury would likely sideline him for at least two weeks, making a return later in the group stage the most realistic scenario.
Brazil will not have much time to dwell on the opening draw. The Selecao return to action against Haiti in their second Group C match on June 19 at Philadelphia Stadium, knowing that three points would put them in a strong position heading into the final group-stage game against Scotland.
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This story was originally published June 13, 2026 at 5:18 PM.