Ancelotti Confident Neymar Will Be Fit for Brazil’s World Cup Campaign

Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar set to pass fitness test for World Cup opener

Ancelotti expects Neymar to pass a fitness test ahead of Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco. The Santos forward, Brazil’s all-time top scorer, will miss friendlies vs Panama and Egypt.

Neymar on track to recover from calf strain ahead of Brazil’s World Cup start...

Brazil forward Neymar looks set to recover from a calf strain in time for the World Cup and might even be fit for their first game, coach Carlo Ancelotti said Saturday.

Reports had suggested the 34-year-old could miss three weeks, but Ancelotti said Neymar’s rehab was going well for the June 13 opener vs Morocco in New Jersey.

“We believe he'll be back very soon and if he doesn't make it for the opener, he'll be there for the second game,” said the Italian.

The ex-Barcelona and PSG star, now with Santos, will sit out Brazil’s two pre-tournament friendlies against Panama and Egypt.

Brazil face Panama on Sunday at the Maracanã before heading to New Jersey on Monday. Their last World Cup warm-up will be against Egypt on June 6 in Cleveland.

🚨 Neymar Jr will NOT be replaced after his injury and will regularly go to World Cup. 🇧🇷

“We expect Neymar to be back in the first game vs Morocco or eventually on the following game”, announces Ancelotti.

“We will 𝑵𝑶𝑻 change anyone — the chosen players are these and I… pic.twitter.com/nrctrYCUKF

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 30, 2026

Neymar’s call-up to Ancelotti’s 26-man World Cup squad came as a surprise. He hadn’t featured for Brazil in nearly three years because of injuries and a dip in form.

But the Santos forward remains Brazil’s record scorer with 79 goals in 128 caps for the Selecao. Qatar will be his fourth World Cup.