FIFA World Cup 2026: Neymar to miss Brazil's opener against Morocco, confirms coach

Brazil's World Cup campaign will begin without their star forward Neymar, who has been ruled out of the opening match against Morocco. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the absence, stating that the player is diligently working to recover from a calf injury sustained before the tournament.

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He's working hard to get fit as quickly as possible. We hope he can return to full training next week.

Neymar's participation in the June 14th opener at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey was in doubt following the injury. Ancelotti expressed optimism that Neymar could rejoin full training next week, potentially making him available for Brazil's subsequent group-stage games against Haiti on June 19 and Scotland on June 24.

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This is a team which can compete with anyone.

The match against Morocco holds historical significance, marking only the second World Cup encounter between the two nations. Brazil secured a 3-0 victory in their previous meeting in the 1998 group stage. Overall, Brazil boasts a dominant record against African teams in the World Cup, having won seven of their eight matches, with their sole defeat coming against Cameroon in 2022.

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We can face up to any team. We have technical quality and experience and we are absolutely confident we can face up to any team.

Ancelotti conveyed confidence in his squad's ability to compete against any opponent, highlighting the team's technical quality and experience. He noted that the current World Cup lacks a clear favorite, with several teams possessing the potential to contend for the title. Brazil, currently ranked sixth in the FIFA World Rankings, faces eighth-ranked Morocco in a highly anticipated match.

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At this point there is no clear favourite for the World Cup. Several teams will have the opportunity to compete all the way to the end.