Neymar to miss Brazil's FIFA World Cup opener vs Morocco, Ancelotti eyes group-stage return
Synopsis
Brazil's biggest star won't be on the pitch for their World Cup opener — and may not feature in the group stage at all. Neymar's calf injury has handed Morocco a psychological lift before a match that was already a genuine contest, and it forces Ancelotti to prove his Brazil project can function without its most iconic name.
Key Takeaways
Neymar will miss Brazil 's FIFA World Cup opener against Morocco on 14 June in New Jersey due to a calf injury.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted the 34-year-old could miss the entire group phase, with a return to full training hoped for the following week.
Brazil's remaining Group F fixtures are against Haiti on 19 June and Scotland on 24 June .
Ancelotti defended Neymar's inclusion, citing his value as a role model for younger squad members.
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi said his team prepared for both scenarios and the absence changes nothing for them.
Achraf Hakimi expressed personal disappointment at potentially not facing Neymar on the pitch.
Neymar will not feature in Brazil's opening FIFA World Cup group-stage clash against Morocco on 14 June in New Jersey, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti conceding the veteran forward could sit out the entire group phase as he works through a calf injury. The absence deals a significant blow to Brazil's early tournament momentum, with the five-time world champions hoping to mount a title charge.
Ancelotti's Update on Neymar's Fitness
Speaking to reporters ahead of Saturday's Group F opener against the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, Ancelotti said the 34-year-old Santos striker is progressing but remains unavailable. 'He is working hard to be fit again as quickly as possible. We hope he can return to full training next week,' the Italian coach said.
Neymar was absent from training on Friday and has not featured in any competitive or preparatory fixture since being named in the squad. He also missed Brazil's warm-up matches against Panama and Egypt during the pre-tournament rehabilitation window.
Why Ancelotti Still Included Neymar
Despite the fitness cloud, Ancelotti defended his decision to include the veteran in the World Cup squad. 'He can be a good example for the younger players in our squad,' the coach explained. Ancelotti, notably the first non-Brazilian manager to lead the Seleção, views Neymar's experience as an intangible asset for a young group chasing a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
Winger Vinícius Júnior echoed that sentiment, expressing hope for a swift return. 'He inspires me. I wish him a speedy recovery and I am looking forward to him finally being back on the pitch,' Vinícius said.
Brazil's Remaining Group F Fixtures
Beyond the Morocco opener, Brazil also face Haiti on 19 June and Scotland on 24 June in Group F. Ancelotti declined to guarantee Neymar's availability for either match, leaving his tournament participation in genuine doubt. The squad will need to demonstrate depth and collective quality in the meantime.
Morocco Unfazed by Neymar's Absence
Morocco, who stunned the football world by reaching the semi-finals in Qatar 2022, insist the situation changes nothing about their game plan. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi, 49, was measured in his response. 'We prepared for a match with and without Neymar. Nothing changes for us,' he said.
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain defender and Champions League winner, admitted personal disappointment at the prospect of not facing one of football's biggest names. 'I want to play against the best players, and Neymar is among the best,' Hakimi said. This comes amid growing recognition of Morocco as a genuine contender rather than a romantic underdog story.
What to Watch Going Forward
Brazil's performance in the opening match will be closely scrutinised as a barometer of how well Ancelotti has built a functioning unit around the absent talisman. If Neymar recovers in time for the later group games, his reintegration mid-tournament could either galvanise the squad or disrupt established combinations — a tactical dilemma Ancelotti will need to manage carefully.
Point of View
The pressure on Ancelotti — already a historic anomaly as the first foreign manager of the Seleção — will be immediate and intense.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Neymar missing Brazil's FIFA World Cup opener?
Neymar is sidelined with a calf injury and was not fit to play in Brazil's opening group-stage match against Morocco on 14 June in New Jersey. Coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar is working to return to full training but could miss the entire group phase.
Could Neymar miss all of Brazil's group-stage matches?
Yes, that is a possibility Ancelotti has acknowledged. Brazil face Morocco on 14 June, Haiti on 19 June, and Scotland on 24 June in Group F, and the coach has not guaranteed Neymar's availability for any of those fixtures.
Why did Ancelotti include Neymar in the World Cup squad if he is injured?
Ancelotti explained that Neymar's experience makes him a valuable presence for younger players in the squad, even while injured. 'He can be a good example for the younger players in our squad,' the coach said.
How did Morocco react to Neymar's absence?
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi said his team had prepared for both scenarios and that Neymar's absence changes nothing for them. Captain Achraf Hakimi, however, expressed personal disappointment at potentially not facing one of football's biggest stars.
Who is Carlo Ancelotti in the context of Brazil's World Cup campaign?
Carlo Ancelotti is the head coach of the Brazilian national team and, notably, the first non-Brazilian manager to lead the five-time world champions. He is overseeing Brazil's bid for a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
