Ancelotti shares update on injured Neymar: He could play at the start of the World Cup

Brazil's national team coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed optimism about Neymar's recovery from a calf injury, stating the player is training individually.

Ancelotti announced that Neymar will undergo a new MRI on Monday. "If everything is fine then, he will join the national team's training," he said during a press conference in New Jersey. "Everything depends on that, so I cannot announce if he will play in our first match at the tournament. Or the second or third. There is a chance for all three options."

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Neymar is training individually and we are optimistic about him.

Neymar has been sidelined with a right calf injury and last played for the national team in the fall of 2023 due to persistent injuries. The 34-year-old is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, surpassing legend Pelé's 77 official goals.

Brazil is in Group C of the 2026 World Cup, opening against Morocco on June 14. They will then face Haiti on June 20, followed by Scotland on June 25. Brazil's final preparation match is scheduled for June 7 against Egypt.

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On Monday, Neymar will undergo a new MRI and if everything is fine then, he will join the national team's training. Everything depends on that, so I cannot announce if he will play in our first match at the tournament. Or the second or third. There is a chance for all three options.