Brazil Receive Neymar Blow Ahead Of FIFA World Cup 2026 Opener vs Morocco - NDTV Sports

Brazil's quest for a record sixth FIFA World Cup title kicks off today, June 13, 2026, against a formidable Morocco, but they will do so without their talisman, Neymar, who has been officially ruled out due to a calf injury. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the 34-year-old forward will miss the Group C opener at New York New Jersey Stadium, a significant blow for the Seleção as they navigate a challenging start to the tournament. The absence of Neymar casts a shadow over a Brazilian squad already under immense pressure, particularly given their recent World Cup disappointments, including quarter-final exits in 2018 and 2022. Ancelotti, who assumed charge in May 2025 and recently extended his contract until 2030, faces his first major test at the helm of a national team, having chosen to keep Neymar in the squad for his experience and leadership despite the injury. Morocco, coming off a historic semi-final run in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, presents a potent threat, with their captain Achraf Hakimi expressing confidence that the Atlas Lions are no longer underdogs. Neymar, who suffered a grade two calf injury on May 17, is expected to rejoin group training next week, but his availability for Brazil's subsequent Group C matches against Haiti on June 20 and Scotland on June 24 remains uncertain, with some reports even suggesting he could miss the entire group stage. The focus will now shift to other key players like Vinicius Júnior to carry the attacking burden, as Ancelotti and Brazil adapt their strategy to overcome this early setback and begin their campaign for global football supremacy on a positive note.