Ancelotti Confirms Neymar's World Cup Inclusion Despite Injury

Brazil's national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has definitively stated that Neymar will participate in the 2026 World Cup, despite the star player's recent muscle injury. Ancelotti expressed strong confidence in Neymar's recovery, suggesting he could be ready for Brazil's opening match against Morocco, or at the latest, the second game against Haiti.

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To be clear, Neymar will be with us. We think he can recover for the first match (against Morocco), and if not for the second (against Haiti).

"To be clear, Neymar will be with us," Ancelotti affirmed during a press conference in Teresópolis. "We think he can recover for the first match (against Morocco), and if not for the second (against Haiti)." He added, "We have no doubt that these 26 players will play in the World Cup."

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We have no doubt that these 26 players will play in the World Cup.

The physical condition of Neymar has been a central topic during the Brazilian squad's initial training days. Ancelotti included Neymar in the World Cup roster despite a muscle injury in his right calf, diagnosed as a grade II tear. The estimated recovery time is two to three weeks. Ancelotti acknowledged that while Neymar had "bad luck with that small problem," the player is "working very well individually to recover soon."

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The player was called up because he had to be called up (...) We think Neymar will recover as soon as possible. He is working well, he is animated.