Brazil will look to get their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign back on track when they face Haiti in their second Group C match on Friday (Local Time), with head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressing confidence that his side can overcome the shortcomings exposed in their tournament opener. The big question remains whether their star player Neymar Jr. is available for the night.
Neymar Ruled Out
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has confirmed that the 34-year-old will miss the fixture due to a lingering grade-two strain in his right calf, dealing a blow to Brazil as they seek their first win of the tournament. Neymar has not travelled with the squad to Philadelphia for the match. Instead, he has remained at Brazil's training base in New Jersey, where he continues his rehabilitation programme under the supervision of the team's medical staff.
Although the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star returned to the training pitch earlier this week and participated in light running drills, Brazil are unwilling to rush his recovery. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti and the medical team are reportedly taking a cautious approach, prioritising Neymar's long-term fitness over a quick return during the group stage.
When Could Neymar Return?
The current plan is for Neymar to miss Brazil's remaining Group C fixtures, including the upcoming match against Scotland, with the aim of having him fully fit for the knockout rounds, which begin on June 29. His progress has been encouraging, but Brazil are determined not to risk aggravating the injury at a crucial stage of the tournament.
Brazil Under Pressure
Brazil enter the Haiti clash under pressure after being held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their opening match. The five-time world champions failed to capitalize on several chances and now need a positive result to strengthen their hopes of reaching the knockout stages. In Neymar's absence, much of the creative burden will fall on Real Madrid duo Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, who are expected to spearhead Brazil's attack.
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