Neymar must undergo an MRI due to persistent hamstring injury

Brazilian forward Neymar will undergo an MRI on his right calf to determine his fitness for the World Cup.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti gave the update on Brazil’s all-time top scorer during a press conference on Friday.

The MRI is Monday. Brazil plays its Group C opener against Morocco on June 13 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

«I think his situation is quite clear,» Ancelotti said ESPN. «He is doing very well on his own. After the weekend he will have an MRI scan and then, if everything goes well, he can train with the team next week.»

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Neymar, 34, was diagnosed with a grade 2 muscle strain in his right calf on May 28. ‌He was injured on May 17 while playing for Santos FC in Brazil.

Neymar’s 79 career goals for the national team – the most ever for Brazil – include eight in three World Cup appearances (2014, 2018, 2022).

Brazil holds the record with five World Cup titles, but has not lifted the trophy since 2002. Brazil is ranked sixth in the world and also faces Haiti on June 19 in Philadelphia and Scotland on June 24 in Miami.

Published on June 5, 2026