World Cup 2026: Brazil star Neymar expected to miss opener against Morocco

Brazil’s hopes for a strong start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign have been dealt a major blow, with Neymar now expected to miss the opening Group C clash against Morocco due to injury.

The 34-year-old forward, who plays for Santos FC, has been struggling with a shinbone problem that has significantly disrupted his preparations for the tournament and prevented him from rejoining full training with the squad.

According to reports, Neymar’s recovery has not progressed as planned, leaving him short of match fitness just days before Brazil kick off their World Cup journey against Morocco national football team.

The Brazilian superstar has not taken part in recent team sessions, and medical assessments within the camp have reportedly ruled him out of contention for the opener as a precautionary measure.

Brazil’s coaching and medical staff are said to be prioritising long-term fitness over short-term availability, with concerns that rushing Neymar back could aggravate the injury and potentially rule him out of the rest of the tournament.

His absence for the opening fixture represents a significant setback for Brazil, who had hoped to rely on his experience and creativity in a demanding group stage campaign.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti is now expected to adjust his attacking setup accordingly, with younger options likely to be given increased responsibility in Neymar’s absence. The decision marks a notable shift in Brazil’s approach, especially in a high-profile tournament where Neymar has traditionally been one of the central figures.

The forward’s fitness issues have also reignited debate back home regarding squad selection, with some critics questioning the inclusion of an injury-prone veteran over fully fit alternatives. However, supporters of Neymar argue that his leadership and ability to influence big matches remain unmatched when he is available.

Brazil’s group stage schedule offers little time for recovery, with further matches against Haiti and Scotland following the opener. While there is still cautious optimism that Neymar could return later in the tournament, the immediate focus has shifted firmly to his absence against Morocco.

For a player who has long been the face of Brazilian football, missing the World Cup opener is a painful setback. Neymar had entered the tournament hoping to play a decisive role in what could be one of his final appearances on football’s biggest stage.

Instead, Brazil will begin their campaign without him, forced to find early momentum in Group C without one of their most experienced and influential attackers.

As kickoff approaches, attention in the Brazilian camp remains on adaptation rather than anticipation, with the Seleção now preparing to face Morocco without their biggest star.