Neymar rejoins Brazil squad training at full pace for World Cup

Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, has returned to team training, signaling his readiness for the 2026 World Cup. The star player, sidelined since May 17 with a right calf injury, trained at the same intensity as his teammates on Wednesday. His appearance marked his first public activity since Brazil began its World Cup camp in late May.

Seen smiling at the Columbia Park fields in Morristown, New Jersey, Neymar was accompanied by team captain Marquinhos and Raphinha. "Did you miss me?" he playfully asked the throng of reporters and photographers gathered to capture his return. Some journalists exclaimed, "The wait is over! Hallelujah!" upon seeing the Seleção's idol.

With Neymar back, he is anticipated to be available for Brazil's second Group C match against Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday. His reintegration into the squad was celebrated with applause from his teammates and a traditional 'tunnel of slaps' to mark his comeback. He had previously touched the field on Tuesday, his first time since arriving in the United States, though he trained alone.

The 34-year-old forward sustained the injury during a Brasileirão match on May 17, just before coach Carlo Ancelotti announced his 26-player World Cup roster. Initial reports from Santos indicated a calf edema, but further tests by the CBF revealed a more severe grade II tear, with an estimated recovery time of two to three weeks. Despite the injury, Ancelotti included Neymar in the squad, citing his experience. Neymar has undergone medical tests, physiotherapy, and gym workouts over the past two weeks. He has not played for the senior Brazilian team since October 17, 2023, when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.