FIFA World Cup 2026: Carlo Ancelotti Provides Disappointing Neymar Update, Santos Star Ruled Out For Brazil vs Morocco

Brazil won't have the service of Neymar when they take on Morocco in the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener at MetLife Stadium. Despite injury concerns, Carlo Ancelotti selected Neymar in his 26-man squad for the tournament.

Neymar To Miss Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 Opener

Ahead of the Brazil vs Morocco match, Ancelotti insisted Neymar could be back in training next week. “We hope that he can be back in full training next week. 

“When we called up Neymar we didn’t only call him up for his footballing qualities, which are undoubted, but also for his experience, because he can be an example for the young players that we have in the squad.”

Earlier, Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed the former PSG and FC Barcelona star is likely to be out for 2-3 weeks. Now, as per the Spanish outlet TVE, the 34-year-old could miss the entirety of the group stage. Apart from Brazil and Morocco, Group C also has Haiti and Scotland.

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Carlo Ancelotti does have an array of options to choose from and Vinicius Jr and Raphinha are likely to get the nod on the wings while Matheus Cunha is expected to lead the attack. Ancelotti is the first non-Brazilain coach to lead the Selecao at World Cup and pressure will be huge as they haven't tasted success on this stage since 2002.

Brazil Predicted Lineup vs Morocco

Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Raphinha, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Cunha.

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