Short answer: Yes, Neymar is part of Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad, but he did not feature in the team’s opening match against Morocco. He is recovering from a calf injury and has not yet made his tournament debut.
Brazil opened their campaign at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Saturday, June 13, and one name was conspicuously missing from the teamsheet. Here is exactly where things stand with the Seleção’s all-time top scorer.
Is Neymar in Brazil’s World Cup squad?
He is. Coach Carlo Ancelotti named the 34-year-old Santos forward in his final 26-man roster, a decision that sparked celebration across Brazil and plenty of debate among pundits. It marks Neymar’s fourth World Cup appearance on the roster, and it came despite real doubts over his fitness.
Ancelotti was clear about why he gambled on the veteran. He pointed to Neymar’s experience, his leadership, and the example he can set for the younger players in the group, insisting the call was not about using him merely as a substitute but because he believes Neymar can genuinely help the team, whether that means one minute, ninety minutes, or a decisive penalty.
So the answer to “is Neymar playing in the World Cup?” is yes in principle. The qualifier is that he has not stepped onto the pitch yet.
Why didn’t Neymar play against Morocco?
The reason is a calf injury. Neymar is still working his way back to full fitness and had not returned to complete training with the squad ahead of the opener. Ancelotti confirmed on matchday that the problem would keep him out, and Neymar did not even dress for the game.
It is the latest chapter in a frustrating run for the forward. Neymar has not appeared for Brazil since October 2023, when he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and was carried off in tears during a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay. A return to form with Santos was enough to earn him a recall, but his body has not yet allowed him to deliver on the comeback.
Ancelotti struck an optimistic tone, saying Neymar is working hard to recover as quickly as possible and is expected to rejoin the group in training the following week.
How did Brazil do without him?
Just fine, in the end, though it was far from comfortable. Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco, the reigning African champions and 2022 semifinalists, who came out the brighter side and dictated long stretches of the first half.
Morocco took the lead in the 21st minute through Ismael Saibari, who chipped goalkeeper Alisson after Brazil were caught playing out from the back. The five-time world champions needed just eleven minutes to respond. Vinícius Júnior exchanged passes on the left, created space, and rifled a right-footed finish past Yassine Bounou for the equalizer, his tenth international goal.
The point kept Brazil’s remarkable record in World Cup openers intact. The Seleção are now unbeaten in 21 consecutive tournament openers, a streak that stretches back to a 1934 loss to Spain.
When could Neymar make his 2026 World Cup debut?
All eyes now turn to Brazil’s remaining Group C fixtures. The Seleção face Haiti on Friday, June 19 in Philadelphia, then close out the group against Scotland on Wednesday, June 24 in Miami Gardens.
With Neymar expected back in training the week of the Haiti game, that match is the earliest realistic opportunity for his return. If he needs a little more time, the Scotland fixture becomes the likelier debut. Either way, Brazil will hope to have him available before the knockout rounds begin.
The bigger picture
For all the injury concerns, Neymar’s place in Brazilian football history is secure. He is the country’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 caps, having overtaken Pelé’s longstanding record of 77. At 34, this is widely expected to be his final World Cup, and he has never progressed beyond the semifinals across his previous campaigns.
Whether his body cooperates enough to let him add to that legacy in North America remains the open question of Brazil’s tournament. For now, the wait continues.
Quick FAQ
Is Neymar at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. He is in Brazil’s 26-man squad but has not played a match yet due to a calf injury.
Why didn’t Neymar play against Morocco?
He is recovering from a calf injury and had not returned to full training, so Ancelotti ruled him out of the opener.
When will Neymar play his first match?
The earliest likely return is the Group C game against Haiti on June 19, with the Scotland fixture on June 24 as the next opportunity.
What was the Brazil vs. Morocco score?
It finished 1-1. Ismael Saibari scored for Morocco and Vinícius Júnior equalized for Brazil.
How long has Neymar been out for Brazil?
He had not played for the national team since October 2023, when he tore his ACL against Uruguay.