Brazil superstar Neymar will not travel with the team to Philadelphia for their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match against Haiti on Saturday as he continues to recover from a calf injury. The Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that Neymar will remain in New Jersey instead of joining the squad for the trip.
Recovery Plan
The federation issued a statement on Thursday explaining the decision. "He will remain in New Jersey to make the most of the final stage of his recovery, making use of the excellent facilities at The Ridge hotel and the Columbia Park training centre," the statement read. This announcement ruled out Neymar traveling with the team on Friday and highlighted Brazil's cautious approach regarding the fitness of their star forward.
Injury Background
Neymar suffered the calf injury while playing for Santos in a 3-0 defeat to Coritiba on May 17. The setback added to a series of injury problems that have limited the 34-year-old's appearances in recent years. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward was seen taking part in some drills after warming up separately with boots and the ball on Wednesday. However, most of his recovery work has been conducted indoors alongside Brazil's physiotherapists and fitness coaches.
Team Outlook
Brazil are hoping Neymar can return soon and provide the attacking spark that the team has lacked. Reports have suggested that he could miss the entire group stage, with Brazil preferring not to rush him back and instead target a return for the knockout rounds. Brazil began their World Cup campaign with a draw against Morocco and currently have one point from their opening game. With Haiti at the bottom of Group C after losing to Scotland, Brazil will be aiming to secure their first win of the tournament even without Neymar.
