Brazil omits Neymar from World Cup 2026 group matches

Brazilian star Neymar has returned to individual training after his thigh injury but will not travel with the squad for the World Cup 2026 group stage. The Brazilian Football Confederation announced that he will remain in New Jersey, using the facilities at Hotel The Ridge and Columbia Park CT for the final phase of his rehabilitation.

Neymar missed the opening 1-1 draw with Morocco and will also sit out the second group match against Haiti, as the coaching staff prefers not to risk his condition. He is expected to be fully available for Brazil’s third group game versus Scotland on June 25. A medical report had projected a two‑to‑three‑week recovery period, and the player joked with reporters, “A ju kam munguar?” during a press conference.

The decision keeps the number 10 out of two consecutive matches while the team hopes he can return at peak fitness for the decisive fixture later in the group stage.