Brazil's star player Neymar remained absent from the field as the national team played its first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Morocco. The highly anticipated game ended in a draw, but it appears Neymar will be sidelined for an extended period, sparking outrage among fans.
Neymar's Injury Update Sparks Outrage After Brazil's Match Against Morocco
According to ESPN, as Brazil prepares for its second group-stage match against Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has confirmed that Neymar will not be available for the remainder of the group stage.
Reports indicate that the team is taking precautions to prevent Neymar from aggravating his injury, but this news has not been well received by supporters.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
A fan posted on X: "I can't wait to see Brazil go out early. Complete loser brought him only for monetary reasons…"
Another wrote: "So their 'extreme emergency' plan is Neymar who hasn't played for who knows how long?? Brazil can't be serious…"
A third fan joked: "Hasn't trained in a month but still got a front-row VIP seat to watch them draw against Morocco. Bro is officially a professional spectator at this point…"
Another commented: "Neymar is there for vibes......Nobody expects anything from Neymar. Everyone knows Neymar is finished, his body is done. Neymar doesn't have the physical capacity to play regular football."
A fifth fan noted: "They had the opportunity to send for another player they knew he was not fit and will not be fit now idk if even when they make it out thru group he can be put out there…"
Neither Neymar nor the team has responded to the criticism in recent days.
What Really Happened to Neymar Before the World Cup 2026 Began?
Neymar has not trained since joining the Brazil squad on May 27 after sustaining a severe tear in his right calf during a Santos Brasileirao Betano league match against Coritiba on May 17.
While many expected Neymar to return for the match against Morocco, it appears the star player will need more time to recover.
Off the field, Neymar recently announced that he is expecting his third child with his long-term girlfriend.
