Brazil begins World Cup preparations with Neymar fitness concern

The Brazilian national soccer team, the "Canarinha," has commenced its preparations for the 2026 World Cup at the Granja Comary training complex near Rio de Janeiro. Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, the squad aims to secure a record-extending sixth world title, a feat that has eluded them for two decades.

Most of the 26 selected players have reported for duty, though exceptions include Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, and Gabriel Martinelli. These players are currently with their respective clubs, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, for the Champions League final in Budapest. The team's preparations are also shadowed by concerns over the fitness of star player Neymar, who has been sidelined with a calf injury. The 34-year-old, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, was a notable inclusion in Ancelotti's squad despite his recent injury.

Brazil will play two warm-up matches before their World Cup campaign begins. They face Panama on Sunday at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, marking their farewell to home fans before traveling to their base in New Jersey, USA. A subsequent friendly against Egypt is scheduled for June 6 in Cleveland. Brazil's opening match in Group C is on June 13 against Morocco, followed by games against Haiti on June 19 and Scotland on June 24.