Brazil are expected to be without Neymar once again for their crucial World Cup group-stage clash against Haiti, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti unwilling to take risks over the veteran forward’s fitness.
The 34-year-old has yet to feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after arriving at the tournament short of full match fitness following another injury-disrupted season.
Neymar was left out of Brazil’s opening Group G encounter against Morocco, which ended in a 1-1 draw, and reports suggest he will also miss Saturday’s showdown with Haiti.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star only returned to full training on Wednesday after recovering from a minor calf injury suffered on May 17.
Although Neymar travelled with the squad to Brazil’s World Cup base in New Jersey, he was unable to participate fully in training during the early stages of the tournament.
Ancelotti is reportedly determined not to rush the experienced forward back into action, especially given Neymar’s lengthy history of fitness problems over the past three years.
His inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup squad sparked debate before the tournament, with many questioning whether the Santos attacker was physically ready for football’s biggest stage.
The decision was made even more controversial after players such as Chelsea striker João Pedro and Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison were overlooked.
Neymar has not represented Brazil in a competitive match since October 2023, when he suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
The injury ruled him out throughout 2024 and most of 2025, significantly impacting what should have been the latter stages of his international career.
His time in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal was also severely affected by injuries. Despite reportedly earning around £130 million per year, Neymar managed just seven appearances for the club before eventually returning to Santos.
The move back to his boyhood club offered hope that he could revive his career. Neymar scored 11 goals in 28 appearances during his first season back in Brazil and added six goals in 15 matches this campaign.
However, recurring fitness issues have continued to interrupt his progress.
Brazil will now hope to secure qualification for the knockout stages without their record goalscorer. Their final group match comes against Scotland on June 24, and Ancelotti will be hoping Neymar is finally ready to play a part by then.
For now, Brazil’s iconic number 10 remains on the sidelines as the five-time world champions carefully manage his recovery in a bid to avoid another setback.
