Neymar ruled out of Brazil's opening 2026 World Cup match vs Haiti

Former Brazil defender Vampeta said Neymar will not be part of Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup because of a grade‑2 calf injury. The player, who has been sidelined for a month after a muscle strain suffered with Santos, is still undergoing medical evaluation and is expected to need two to three more weeks before returning to full training.

The Brazilian national team’s first game of the tournament is scheduled for June 19 against Haiti at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field. The CBF has not confirmed a specific return date for the forward, emphasizing a cautious approach to his rehabilitation.

Other Brazil players, including Gabriel Magalhães, Bruno Guimarães and Raphinha, also missed recent training sessions due to injuries sustained at the end of their club seasons.