Neymar was injured while playing for Santos in Brazil’s domestic league and will miss the World Cup friendly.
Published May 28, 2026
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil’s upcoming friendlies and is expected to miss the opening World Cup match after tests revealed a Grade 2 calf injury.
CBF doctor Rodrigo Lasmar delivered the blow ahead of the players’ press conference on Thursday, confirming the 34-year-old forward faces another two to three weeks out.
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“Neymar was on duty here yesterday at Gran Ja Comari and after undergoing all the medical tests we came to the conclusion that an MRI scan revealed a grade 2 calf injury as well as swelling. He is expected to recover in two to three weeks,” Lasmar said.
He did not say whether Neymar could be left out of the squad.
He joined the team on Tuesday but missed the first training session on Wednesday and was sent to a private clinic in Teresópolis for imaging tests after complaining of swelling in his right calf.
Lasmar said an MRI scan showed no swelling as previously reported, indicating a grade 2 calf strain, a moderate injury with partial tearing of muscle fibers, requiring rest and rehabilitation.
This diagnosis differs from the diagnosis provided by Santos before the team announcement. Club doctor Rodrigo Zogaib said the problem was just swelling and that Neymar would arrive for the start of training on Tuesday without any problems.
Instead, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer will miss Sunday’s friendly against Panama at the Maracanã, followed by the game against Egypt in Cleveland. It is also almost certain that he will miss Brazil’s World Cup opening match against African champion Morocco, which will be held in New Jersey on June 13th.
Brazil are in Group C along with Haiti and Scotland.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has already ruled out defenders Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos, as well as forward Gabriel Martinelli, for Sunday’s match in order to feature in this weekend’s Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
Neymar’s recall last week sparked widespread excitement after the Italian was not part of Ancelotti’s plans during his year in charge.
The forward, who has scored 79 goals in 128 international appearances, has endured years of injuries and a disappointing return to Santos.
Ancelotti said in an interview with Reuters earlier this month that Neymar would not receive special treatment and that his place in the team would be based strictly on fitness and form, rather than emotion.
For now, Brazil will have to plan without him.
