Brazil trains amid jokes and games; Neymar continues gym work

The Brazilian national soccer team trained under intense heat in Morristown, USA, in a lighthearted atmosphere two days before their 2026 World Cup debut against Morocco. Star player Neymar was absent from the pitch again, continuing his rehabilitation in the gym for a grade II right calf injury. He has not trained with the team since their camp began on May 27. Coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed hope that Neymar would rejoin the group this week. During the 15 minutes of the session open to the press, the rest of the squad engaged in warm-up exercises and small-sided ball games. The mood was jovial, with players and staff sharing laughs. Ancelotti, facing his first World Cup as a manager after a decorated club career, is contemplating his starting lineup. Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha are expected starters, but the coach is deciding between Matheus Cunha and Luiz Henrique in attack, or opting for an additional midfielder and a more traditional striker like Igor Thiago. Brazil, a five-time World Cup champion, will play their entire group stage in the United States. They face Morocco in Group C on Saturday in New Jersey, followed by matches against Haiti on June 19 in Philadelphia and Scotland five days later in Miami.

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The expectation is that the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player will rejoin the group this week.