Short answer: Neymar is included in Brazil’s World Cup plans, but he did not play in the opening match against Morocco because he is still recovering from a calf problem. He has not yet made his tournament debut.
Brazil began its campaign at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday, June 13, and Neymar’s absence from the lineup immediately became the day’s biggest talking point. The situation is simple on paper but more complicated in practice, because Brazil wanted him in the squad while also protecting him from a rush back too soon.
Where Neymar stands right now
Neymar made Carlo Ancelotti’s final 26-man roster, which means he is officially part of Brazil’s World Cup squad. That decision reflected his standing as one of the most experienced players in the group and a figure who can influence the team even when he is not at full strength.
Brazil’s coaching staff valued more than just his name recognition. Ancelotti’s approach emphasized Neymar’s leadership, his ability to guide younger teammates, and the idea that his presence can matter in multiple ways, whether he is on the field for a few minutes or available for a decisive moment later in the tournament.
- He is on the roster and eligible to play.
- He missed the opener because he was not ready physically.
- His return depends on training progress over the coming days.
Why he did not face Morocco
The reason Neymar stayed out was a calf injury that had not fully cleared in time for the first match. He had not completed enough training with the full squad before kickoff, and Ancelotti ruled him out on matchday rather than take a risk with his fitness.
This setback fits into a much longer injury story. Neymar has not appeared for Brazil since October 2023, when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a 2-0 loss to Uruguay and had to leave the pitch in tears. A strong run with Santos helped him earn a return to the national setup, but the recovery process has remained the limiting factor.
Ancelotti expressed confidence that Neymar is working hard and should move closer to full training soon, with the next week seen as an important checkpoint in that recovery timeline.
How Brazil managed without him
Brazil did not win, but it did avoid defeat in a match that tested its composure early. Morocco, one of the most disciplined and dangerous teams in the field, controlled long stretches and made the favorite work hard for every chance.
Morocco struck first in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari finished after Brazil were caught trying to play out from the back. Brazil answered quickly, and Vinícius Júnior delivered the equalizer 11 minutes later with a sharp right-footed finish after combining on the left side of the attack.
The result was 1-1, and it preserved Brazil’s remarkable record of not losing a World Cup opener in 21 straight tournaments. That streak dates back to a loss to Spain in 1934, which shows how long Brazil has made a habit of starting strongly on the world stage.
When a debut could finally happen
The next chance for Neymar to step onto the field would come in Brazil’s remaining Group C matches. The team meets Haiti on Friday, June 19, in Philadelphia and then plays Scotland on Wednesday, June 24, in Miami Gardens.
If Neymar is able to rejoin full training in time, Haiti looks like the earliest realistic option. If the staff prefers to be more cautious, the Scotland match gives him another opportunity before the knockout rounds begin. Brazil will want him available before the tournament reaches its most demanding phase.
What to watch next
- Whether Neymar returns to complete training with the squad.
- How Ancelotti manages his minutes if he is cleared to play.
- Which Group C match becomes the safest entry point for his comeback.
Why his absence matters beyond one game
Neymar’s importance to Brazilian soccer is already secure. He is the country’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, moving past Pelé’s long-standing total of 77. That record alone explains why his fitness is being monitored so closely.
This tournament is widely viewed as his last realistic World Cup chance, and that adds another layer to every update about his condition. He has reached the semifinal stage in previous World Cup runs, but he has never taken Brazil all the way to the title while in his prime years.
For now, the question is not whether he belongs in the conversation. It is whether his body will allow him to contribute when Brazil needs him most.
Quick answers
Is Neymar in Brazil’s World Cup squad?
Yes. He was selected in the final 26-man roster, but he has not played yet because of a calf injury.
Why did he miss the Morocco match?
He had not recovered enough to return to full training, so Brazil left him out of the opener.
When could he play first?
The Haiti match on June 19 is the earliest likely chance, with Scotland on June 24 as the next option.
What was the score against Morocco?
The match finished 1-1 after goals from Ismael Saibari and Vinícius Júnior.
How long has Neymar been out for Brazil?
He had not played for the national team since October 2023, when he tore his ACL against Uruguay.
