Neymar Injury Update: Brazil Star Expected Fit for World Cup

Neymar suffers calf injury but expected to join Brazil for World Cup

Neymar picked up a minor calf injury with Santos but should recover in time to link up with Brazil’s squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar is set to play at his fourth World Cup after being included in Brazil’s squad, with warm-up matches against Panama and Egypt coming up...

Neymar has picked up a minor calf injury while playing for Santos, but he is expected to recover in time to link up with Brazil’s squad next week before the World Cup kicks off on June 11 in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The 34-year-old is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. He was included in the squad announced on Monday, making his return after a long injury layoff that sidelined him for much of the qualifying campaign as Brazil aim for a record sixth title.

A major talking point before the squad announcement was whether coach Carlo Ancelotti would select Neymar.

The Italian, who took over Brazil last year, had not recalled the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward until now. Neymar currently plays for Santos and is set to appear at his fourth World Cup as he chases his first world title.

“Neymar ⁠has a minor calf injury, an oedema,” Santos' head of medical services Rodrigo Zogaib told Brazil's ge.globo on Wednesday. “But, according to our planning, his progress will allow him to ‌be fit next week when he will join up with the national team.”

Neymar has scored 79 goals in 128 appearances for Brazil and has not played for the national team since 2023. Questions about his fitness and form have continued to follow him.

A 20 dias do Mundial FIFA 2026, Neymar Jr viu o jogo do Santos da bancada devido a lesão 🤨

Vai recuperar a tempo de ajudar a Seleção brasileira?#sporttvportugal #MUNDIALnaSPORTTV #MundialFIFA2026 #Brasil #NeymarJr pic.twitter.com/yehn0CU8iW

— sport tv (@sporttvportugal) May 21, 2026

 

His time at Saudi club Al Hilal was hampered by injuries. He returned to his boyhood club Santos last year but has yet to rediscover his best form.

Neymar missed Santos’ 2-2 home draw against San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana on Wednesday.

Brazil will start their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey, then face Haiti and Scotland in Group C.

Before the tournament, they have warm-up matches scheduled against Panama on May 31 and Egypt.