Neymar protected: Brazil's drastic decision for Haiti clash | OneFootball

Neymar Jr.’s debut at the 2026 World Cup will have to wait a little longer. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed this Thursday that the star forward will not be part of the delegation traveling to Philadelphia to face Haiti in the second matchday of Group C, with the aim of preserving his fitness and avoiding any kind of risk.

Although the Santos attacker has already resumed training alongside his teammates under Carlo Ancelotti after recovering from a Grade II muscle injury in his right calf, the coaching and medical staff chose to remain cautious. Instead of traveling, the player will stay with the squad in New Jersey to complete and optimize the final stage of his rehabilitation process.

It is worth remembering that Neymar was on the bench in the Canarinha’s disappointing opening match against Morocco — which ended in a draw — but he did not get any warm-up minutes. The South American side’s plan is for the No. 10 to make his return in the final group-stage match against Scotland or, failing that, to arrive in peak physical condition for the knockout rounds.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.