According to a report by Vanguard on Saturday, May 30, 2026, Brazil forward Neymar Jr. is on track to recover from a calf injury in time for the early stages of the upcoming World Cup, with national team coach Carlo Ancelotti expressing optimism that the attacker could feature in either the opening match or the second group game.
The 34-year-old, who is currently recovering from a muscle strain, had been widely reported to face up to three weeks on the sidelines. However, Ancelotti indicated that the recovery process is progressing positively and that Neymar remains in contention for Brazil’s group-stage fixtures.
Brazil are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign on June 13 against Morocco in New Jersey. According to Ancelotti, the forward is working intensively with the medical team and could be cleared in time for that fixture. If not, the coach suggested he would almost certainly be available for the second group match.
“We expect him back sooner rather than later. If he is not ready for the first match, then he should be fit for the second,” Ancelotti said, expressing confidence in the player’s rehabilitation progress.
Neymar, who now plays club football for Santos in Brazil, will, however, miss Brazil’s final pre-tournament friendly matches against Panama and Egypt as part of his recovery programme. Brazil are set to face Panama at the Maracanã Stadium before travelling to the United States for their training camp. They will then conclude their warm-up schedule with a final friendly against Egypt in Cleveland on June 6.
His inclusion in Brazil’s 26-man World Cup squad marked a notable moment, given that he had been absent from the national team setup for nearly three years due to recurring injuries and inconsistent form. Despite those setbacks, the coaching staff opted to recall him, banking on his experience and proven ability at international level.
Neymar remains one of Brazil’s most influential modern-era players and is the country’s all-time leading scorer, with 79 goals in 128 appearances for the national team. The upcoming tournament is set to be his fourth World Cup appearance, adding further significance to his recovery timeline.
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