Brazil’s Neymar Sidelined for World Cup Opener vs. Haiti Due to Persistent Calf Injury

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June 17, 2026; Morristown, New Jersey, U.S.; Brazil’s Neymar Jr. during training. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images

Brazil forward Neymar has been ruled out for Friday’s World Cup match against Haiti in Philadelphia.

The Brazil federation confirmed Thursday that Neymar will not travel with the team and will remain at the base camp in Morristown, N.J., where he returned to the practice field Wednesday for the first time since sustaining a calf injury on May 17.

Neymar, 34, is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals but has not competed in an international match since October 2023. He missed the team’s Group C opener on Saturday, a 1-1 draw with Morocco in East Rutherford, N.J.

Brazil’s medical staff has reported their hopes to have Neymar return for the knockout round.

Scotland leads Group C through one round of matches after their 1-0 defeat of Haiti.

–Field Level Media

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