Neymar Is Back in Brazil's World Cup Squad, And The Shocking Report Says He Misses Saturday's Opener

Alright, soccer fans, gather 'round, because we've got some wild news coming out of the World Cup camp for Brazil's biggest star. Seriously, talk about whiplash! Neymar, the absolute legend, is officially back in the Selecao squad for the 2026 World Cup. You heard that right! It's likely his final shot at the biggest global prize in soccer, and we were all buzzing. But then, just when you thought the comeback story was set, a gut punch landed that'll have fans absolutely fuming for their opening game.

The Long, Grueling Road Back to the Pitch

Man, this guy has been through it. Just a month after he surpassed the great Pelé as Brazil's all-time top scorer, a *ruptured ACL and meniscus* in his left knee knocked him out during an October 2023 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. Brutal. He hasn't played for Brazil since, and you know how tough that recovery is, especially for a player of his caliber at 34 years old. So when Carlo Ancelotti named him in the 26-man squad for this summer's World Cup, it felt like a miracle. A true test of grit and determination, like watching our Sounders fight back from a deficit.

Another Injury Threatens to Keep Him Sidelined

Here's where it gets complicated. Despite the incredible comeback and making the squad, Neymar's injury problems are still hanging around. He's struggling with a calf injury that kept him out of *both* of Brazil's warm-up games against Panama and Egypt. The Brazilian Football Confederation, the CBF, put out a statement after medical checks saying there was "good progress in his treatment, within expected parameters," and that he'd "continue the recovery and physical preparation process planned by the Brazilian National Team's medical staff." Sounds hopeful, right? But then the hammer dropped. While a June 8 CBF statement said he was targeting the Morocco game, a report the very next day from sports newspaper Globo stated point blank he would *not* be ready in time. So, as things stand, Neymar is *not* expected to play in Brazil's opening game against Morocco in New Jersey on Saturday, June 13. Talk about a brutal blow for the first match! Brazil will kick off against Morocco at MetLife Stadium at 6 p.m. ET. While he's expected to play a part in the tournament eventually, it looks like Brazil's second Group C game against Haiti on June 20 in Philadelphia is a much more realistic target for his grand return. That Haiti game goes down at Lincoln Financial Field at 9 p.m. ET. It's a waiting game now, folks, but you know we'll be watching every step of the way.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.