Ancelotti confirms Neymar will miss World Cup opener against Morocco | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar will miss Brazil’s 2026 World Cup opener against Morocco on Saturday. 

The 34-year-old hasn’t played for the Selecao since 2023 due to injuries. 

Ancelotti picked Neymar, but he will not play in the opening match due to a calf injury. 

Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 matches. He has represented his country at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions of the World Cup. 

However, the 34-year-old forward is no longer the force of old, and his selection by Ancelotti raised a few eyebrows. 

Chelsea’s Joao Pedro struck 20 goals across all competitions last season, but he was omitted from the squad.

Ancelotti is tasked with steering Brazil to their first World Cup triumph since 2002. 

The Selecao face a tricky first test against Morocco, who are looking to emulate their historic run to the semi-finals at the previous edition in Qatar. 

Brazil haven’t been at their free-flowing best in recent months, but they have the experience and talent to go deep into the knockout stage.

Stats from Transfermarkt.