TERESOPOLIS — Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Neymar will be part of Brazil's 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup despite sustaining a grade II muscle injury in his right calf. The Brazil manager emphasized confidence in Neymar’s recovery timeline ahead of the team’s opening match.

Neymar arrived at Brazil's training base, Granja Comary, on Wednesday and was diagnosed with the calf injury following medical tests. Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said, "The expectation is that he will be sidelined from two to three weeks."

Ancelotti said, "To be clear, Neymar is going to be with us. We think he can recover for the first match [against Morocco] and, if not, for the second [against Haiti]." He added, "No doubt that these 26 players are going to play in the World Cup."

Neymar is expected to miss Brazil's friendly matches against Panama and Egypt while focusing on his rehabilitation. His inclusion comes despite not having played for Brazil since October 2023, when he tore the cruciate ligament in his left knee during a World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay.

After returning to Santos on a free transfer from Al-Hilal, Neymar featured in only a few games during the 2025–26 season. Brazil’s first match in the 2026 World Cup is scheduled against Morocco on June 13 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The squad will also face Haiti and Scotland in the group stage. Under FIFA rules, Brazil may replace Neymar in the roster until June 1 or up to one day before their opening match.