Top News

Reports from Brazil suggest that the nation's football legend may miss several matches at the 2026 World Cup following another setback in his fitness recovery.

Brazilian star Neymar has once again suffered an injury just before the 2026 World Cup scheduled to take place in North America.

Earlier this month, the Santos forward was included in Brazil’s 26-man squad for the world’s biggest football tournament by head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has so far led the national team in 10 international fixtures.

The former Real Madrid manager oversaw the conclusion of Brazil’s World Cup qualifying campaign. Although the team performed below their usual standards, they still managed to secure a spot among the 48 nations heading to football’s grandest stage.

Ancelotti’s announcement of Neymar’s inclusion in the squad sparked widespread excitement both in the press room and across Brazil, with fans eager to see their modern-day hero lift the most prestigious trophy once again.

The ex-Barcelona forward has made only eight appearances for Santos in Brazil’s top-tier competition this year, scoring four goals and providing two assists while continuing his recovery from previous injuries.

Neymar suffers new injury setback ahead of the World Cup.

Neymar’s selection for Brazil’s World Cup squad came at the expense of Chelsea striker Joao Pedro, who will be forced to watch the tournament from home despite an impressive season at Stamford Bridge.

However, Ancelotti’s controversial call might backfire, as MRI scans confirmed that the 34-year-old forward has sustained a calf muscle injury just before the tournament begins.

Brazil’s medical staff estimate that Neymar will need about two to three weeks to recover, as he has yet to return to full fitness after nearly three years plagued by various injuries.

The former Champions League winner was not expected to start in Brazil’s opening World Cup match, with Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, and possibly Endrick set to lead the attack for Ancelotti’s side.

It is reported that Neymar ‘cried for hours’ after being called up to the senior national team recently. The creative playmaker had hoped to make his first senior international appearance since 2023 in North America this summer.

Which matches could Neymar miss?

Ancelotti’s plan to restore Neymar to peak condition within the next two weeks has now been disrupted.

Due to his latest fitness setback, Neymar could be sidelined for up to three weeks. Because of the calf injury, the 34-year-old will miss Brazil’s two warm-up matches before the tournament.

The first friendly is set to take place at the Maracana against Panama on Sunday night, while the second, against Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, will also come too soon for Neymar to feature.

The Brazilian star is now a major doubt for the team’s opening World Cup match against Morocco on June 13, 2026.

Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers:
Alisson
Ederson
Weverton

Defenders:
Alex Sandro
Bremer
Danilo
Douglas Santos
Gabriel Magalhaes
Ibanez
Leo Pereira
Marquinhos
Wesley

Midfielders:
Bruno Guimaraes
Casemiro
Danilo Santos
Fabinho
Lucas Paqueta

Forwards:
Endrick
Gabriel Martinelli
Igor Thiago
Luiz Henrique
Matheus Cunha
Neymar
Raphinha
Rayan
Vinicius Junior

Argentina Seen as Top Contenders to Win the 2026 World Cup Again

Central Kalimantan-based Argentina supporter Sastra Wijaya Kalontong stated that there are three nations likely to pose major challenges for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup.

“Those three teams are Portugal, France, and Spain, who will be the toughest opponents for Argentina in their bid to retain the World Cup title,” he said.

Despite that, Wijaya expressed full confidence in Lionel Scaloni’s squad heading into the global football tournament.

“Under coach Lionel Scaloni’s leadership, Argentina continues to display a solid identity, disciplined play, and a strong champion’s mentality,” he explained.

“This team no longer relies solely on one player but instead focuses on collective strength, coordination across all lines, and impressive squad depth.”

“Additionally, the presence of young players injects fresh energy, allowing Argentina to maintain its competitiveness amid increasingly fierce competition.”

Wijaya believes Argentina has a strong chance of winning back-to-back World Cup titles in 2026, thanks to their experience and strong team chemistry.

“Besides Lionel Messi, two players who could shine in the 2026 World Cup are Lisandro Martinez and Julian Alvarez,” he added.

As a devoted Argentina fan, Wijaya admitted that watching Lionel Messi’s final World Cup appearance will be an emotional experience.

“Of course, it’s a source of pride to have witnessed the greatest player of all time (Lionel Messi) wear the Albiceleste jersey, but there’s also sadness knowing that a beautiful era is coming to an end.”

“Every touch of the ball will feel more meaningful, every goal and assist will become a cherished memory, and when the final whistle blows, it will feel like saying goodbye to a legend who turned Argentina’s dreams into reality,” he concluded.

2026 World Cup Groups:

Group A:
Mexico
South Korea
South Africa
Czech Republic

Group B:
Canada
Switzerland
Qatar
Bosnia

Group C:
Brazil
Morocco
Scotland
Haiti

Group D:
United States
Australia
Paraguay
Turkey

Group E:
Germany
Ecuador
Ivory Coast
Curacao

Group F:
Netherlands
Japan
Tunisia
Sweden

Group G:
Belgium
Iran
Egypt
New Zealand

Group H:
Spain
Uruguay
Saudi Arabia
Cape Verde

Group I:
France
Senegal
Norway
Iraq

Group J:
Argentina
Austria
Algeria
Jordan

Group K:
Portugal
Colombia
Uzbekistan
DR Congo

Group L:
England
Croatia
Panama
Ghana