Brazil will look to get their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign back on track when they face Haiti in their second Group C match on Friday (Local Time), with head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressing confidence that his team can overcome the flaws that have been revealed in their opening campaign. There is a question that if their star Neymar Jr. is it available at night or not?The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has confirmed that the 34-year-old will miss the game with a grade-2 strain on his right calf, which has disappointed Brazil as they seek their first win of the tournament.
Why is Neymar missing?
Neymar did not travel with the team to Philadelphia for the game. Instead, he remained at Brazil’s training facility in New Jersey, where he continues his rehabilitation program under the guidance of the team’s medical staff. Although the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player returned to the stadium earlier this week and took part in some fast training sessions, the Brazilian does not want to rush his recovery.Head coach Carlo Ancelotti and the medical team are said to be taking a cautious approach, prioritizing Neymar’s short-term fitness and a quick return to the team.
When can Neymar come?
The current plan is for Neymar to miss the rest of Group C in Brazil, including the upcoming match in Scotland, with the aim of being fully fit for the knockout stages, which start on June 29. His progress has been encouraging, but Brazil are determined not to risk further injury at the crucial stage of the competition.Brazil under pressureBrazil go into the Haiti clash under pressure after being held 1-1 by Morocco in their opening game. The five-time world champions failed to make the most of their chances and now need a good result to bolster their hopes of reaching the knockout stages. In Neymar’s absence, much of the burden will fall on Real Madrid duo Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, who are expected to lead Brazil’s attack.
