FIFA World Cup 2026: Neymar still absent from Brazil training as squad celebrates Ancelotti’s birthday

Striker Neymar was again absent from Brazil’s training ground in Morristown, New Jersey, on Wednesday as the team prepared for the World Cup match against Morocco on Saturday, while coach Carlo ⁠Ancelotti’s 67th birthday was also celebrated.

Ancelotti’s players honored the Italian, who is tasked with ending Brazil’s 24-year wait for a sixth World Cup title, with a traditional guard of honor. However, Barcelona forward Raphinha joked that the players opted for softer treatment than is usual.

“He passed through, but no one touched him,” Raphinha noted.

Talisman Neymar continues his intensive rehabilitation from a grade two calf injury suffered while playing for Santos in Brazil in mid-May.

The 34-year-old will certainly miss the first match, with no indication yet whether he will feature in the subsequent group matches against Haiti and Scotland.

Despite Neymar’s absence, the Brazilian experts present on the training pitch remained optimistic.

«Brazil is not the big favorite, but it has good players who can form a good team. I think it has its chances,» said Zinho, a key midfielder for Brazil, which won the 1994 World Cup in the United States.

Zinho, who is currently a pundit for ESPN, believes Ancelotti’s side will be cautious against a Moroccan team that reached the semi-finals at the last World Cup.

Benjamin Back, a popular Brazilian radio commentator, said Ancelotti would not change the team’s style.

“He will have a team that defends and waits for the opponent’s actions before trying to quickly switch to attack once it has the ball,” he said.

«It’s a young group, with good physical condition and a great coach. ‌I would put Brazil among the favorites,» he added.

Brazil’s first match will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Published on June 11, 2026