Brazil received a boost ahead of the World Cup after the national team confirmed on Monday that Neymar is «recovering well» from the calf injury that has put his participation in the opening stages of the tournament in doubt.
Brazil’s Football Federation said an MRI scan performed on Monday showed encouraging progress as the country’s all-time top scorer continues his recovery.
“He will continue to follow the recovery schedule and fitness program as planned by the Brazilian team’s medical staff,” the federation said in a statement.
Neymar suffered the injury late last month and is racing against time to be fit for Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on Saturday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The 34-year-old did not train with the rest of the team on Monday at the Brazil base, the training center of the New York Red Bulls west of Manhattan. Instead, he stayed indoors and worked out at the gym as part of his rehabilitation program.
Despite concerns about his fitness, Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti remains optimistic about Neymar’s availability. The Italian said last week that the forward should be ready for Brazil’s first or second match of the tournament and insisted he was in «no rush» to bring him back.
Neymar, who now plays for Santos, has had an injury-marred spell and has not represented Brazil since 2023. Fitness issues have also limited his involvement at club level this year, with the forward playing in just half of Santos’ games in domestic and continental competitions.
A veteran of Brazil’s last three World Cup campaigns, Neymar’s inclusion in the squad received some attention given his recent injury record. However, his experience and status as the country’s top scorer make him a key figure in Ancelotti’s plans as Brazil look for a sixth World Cup title.
Published on June 9, 2026
