Forward Neymar was missing from Brazil's training session in Morristown, New Jersey, on June 10, 2026, as the team prepared for their opening 2026 World Cup match against Morocco [1, 2, 3]. The 34-year-old is undergoing intensive rehabilitation after suffering a grade-two calf injury while playing for Santos in mid-May [1, 2, 3].
Neymar is certain to miss the June 13 opener at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and his availability for later group matches against Haiti and Scotland remains uncertain [1, 2, 3].
Meanwhile, Brazil marked coach Carlo Ancelotti's 67th birthday on June 10 with a traditional guard of honour during training, though the celebration was gentler than usual, prompting winger Raphinha to joke, "He passed through it, but nobody touched him" [1, 2, 3].
Despite Neymar's absence, Brazilian pundits present at training stayed optimistic about the team's prospects. Former midfielder and ESPN analyst Zinho said, "Brazil is not the great favourite, but it has good players that can come together to form a good team. I think it has its chances" [2]. Zinho also expressed similar views in Chinese, saying the team is not the top favorite but has strong players who can unite into a good squad [3].
Radio commentator Benjamin Back described Ancelotti's side as young and fit, playing a defensive style that waits for opponents before launching quick counterattacks. He called the coach "great" and labeled Brazil among the favorites for the tournament [2]. Back made similar remarks about the team and coach in Chinese as well [3].
Brazil's first match against Morocco is scheduled for June 13 at MetLife Stadium, making Neymar's recovery timeline crucial for the remaining group games [1, 2, 3].
