Brazil begins World Cup training with Neymar injury concern

The Brazilian national football team has commenced its training camp for the 2026 World Cup, with coach Carlo Ancelotti leading the squad in Teresópolis, near Rio de Janeiro. The team, known as the Canarinha, arrives at the Granja Comary training complex just 15 days before the tournament's inauguration, as they pursue a record sixth World Cup title, a feat that has eluded them for two decades.

However, preparations are clouded by uncertainty surrounding star forward Neymar. The 34-year-old, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, did not participate in the first training session due to a calf injury sustained in recent club matches. He was taken for further medical examinations, casting doubt on his availability for the tournament.

Twenty-three of the 26 selected players reported for duty. Notable absences include Marquinhos from Paris Saint-Germain, and Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal, who are scheduled to compete in the Champions League final. Neymar's inclusion itself was a surprise, as he had not played for the national team since October 2023 due to a severe injury.

Brazil is set to play warm-up matches against Panama at the Maracanã stadium on Sunday and against Egypt in Cleveland on June 6. These games serve as their final tests before heading to their World Cup base in New Jersey. Brazil's World Cup campaign begins on June 13 against Morocco in Group C, followed by matches against Haiti and Scotland.