Will Neymar play against Morocco? Coach Ancelotti gives crucial update

RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil’s hopes of starting their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign at full strength have been dealt a fresh setback after head coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted that star forward Neymar is still recovering from injury and remains doubtful for the Selecao’s opening Group C clash against Morocco.

The Brazilian superstar has been sidelined since suffering a grade-two muscle tear in mid-May, an injury that disrupted his World Cup preparations and forced him to miss the team’s final warm-up fixtures before the tournament.

Neymar, 34, was absent as Brazil secured victories over Panama and Egypt in pre-World Cup friendlies. While supporters were hoping to see him return in time for the opening match, Ancelotti’s latest comments suggest the forward still faces a race against the clock.

Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, the veteran Italian coach revealed that Neymar is making encouraging progress but has not yet resumed full training with the squad.

“He is working hard to recover as quickly as possible,” Ancelotti said. “We hope he can return to full training next week.”

The update has intensified speculation over whether Brazil’s all-time leading scorer will be available for one of the most intriguing matches of the group stage.

Morocco arrive in the tournament carrying significant momentum after their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, a feat that transformed the North African side into genuine contenders on the global stage. The showdown is also unique as it is the only group-stage fixture featuring two nations currently ranked among FIFA’s top 10 teams.

Although Brazil defeated Morocco during the 1998 World Cup, the gap between the two footballing nations has narrowed considerably over the past decade.

Neymar last played competitively for Brazilian club Santos on May 17 before the injury setback. Despite concerns over his fitness, Ancelotti emphasized the veteran’s value beyond the pitch.

According to the coach, Neymar’s experience, leadership and influence on younger players remain vital assets for Brazil’s World Cup ambitions.

If he returns later in the tournament, Neymar could join an exclusive group of Brazilian legends by becoming only the ninth player from the country to appear in four FIFA World Cups, further cementing his place in football history.