Neymar will not play in the World Cup match in Brazil against Haiti due to injury | World Cup 2026 news

Brazil’s goalscorer continues to struggle with injuries after being named in their 2026 World Cup squad.

Neymar could not play in the second game of the World Cup in Brazil because of a long-term calf injurythe Brazilian football federation has confirmed.

The striker will not travel with the rest of their Group C match against Haiti in Philadelphia, the club said on Thursday.

“He will remain in New Jersey to complete the final phase of his recovery,” it added.

Neymar is Brazil’s leading international goalscorer with 79 goals, surpassing Pele’s 77 goals.

The Brazilian club said the 34-year-old will continue his recovery at the team’s hotel.

Neymar returned to training for the first time on Tuesday, working out. He rejoined his teammates for parts of Wednesday’s session, receiving a standing ovation from them as he arrived on the field.

Neymar has yet to train with the full team since joining Brazil while nursing an injured right leg.

Looking to play in his fourth World Cup, Neymar underwent tests on his right calf on Monday to determine the extent of the injury he suffered while playing against Santos on May 17.

The five-time World Cup holders began their campaign with a 1-1 against Morocco on Saturday.

There was considerable debate in Brazil as to whether Neymar, whose first World Cup was at home in 2014, should have been invited to the tournament by coach Carlo Ancelotti.