What won’t Neymar play in the Brazil-Egypt warm-up match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Neymar will miss Brazil’s warm-up match against Egypt on Saturday as he recovers from a calf injury.

The Brazilian forward did not travel with the team to Cleveland and has remained in New Jersey to continue his physical therapy and conditioning work. He is recovering from a grade 2 calf injury, a moderate muscle injury that caused a partial tear.

Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar has been working individually and is expected to undergo an MRI on Monday. If the scan is clear, the 34-year-old could take part in group training again next week.

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The decision to leave him out of the friendly against Egypt is seen as a precautionary measure as Brazil does not want to impose an unnecessary burden on him before the World Cup.

Brazil starts its Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13 before facing Haiti and Scotland. Ancelotti remains hopeful Neymar will be available for the opener, although Brazil could wait until the second group match if his recovery needs more time.

Published on June 7, 2026