Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar will miss Brazil's opening match of the World Cup against Morocco on Saturday due to a calf injury. The 34-year-old forward has been struggling with his fitness and has not yet returned to full training.

Manager Ancelotti provided an update, stating that Neymar is expected to start training with the squad next week, although his availability for Brazil's second match against Haiti on 20 June remains uncertain. Brazil will wrap up their group stage campaign against Scotland on 24 June.

Ancelotti emphasized Neymar's importance to the team, saying, "Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible. The expectation is that he will recover and rejoin the group next week. When we call up Neymar, we call him not only for his technical quality, which is indisputable, but also for his experience and the example he can set for the young players in this group."

Neymar has not played for the Selecao since 2023 due to ongoing injury issues but was selected for the World Cup ahead of Chelsea's Joao Pedro and Tottenham's Richarlison. He holds the record as Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 caps, surpassing Pele's total of 77. This World Cup could mark Neymar's fourth appearance, having previously played in 2014, 2018, and 2022.