18/06/2026 22:35 - Deportes
Jugador de fútbol brasileño entrenando en campo de concentración, vestimenta deportiva amarilla, entorno de recuperación profesional con preparadores físicos
The Brazilian National Team faces its second match in the 2026 World Cup against Haiti in Philadelphia, but will do so without its main figure. Neymar, who reappeared in Wednesday's training session, will not travel with the Brazilian delegation and will remain at the training camp in New Jersey to continue his recovery from a grade-two muscle injury in his right calf.
The Santos forward suffered this injury approximately one month ago during a match against Curitiba in the Brazilian league. Since coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed him on the 26-player roster, priorities with the 34-year-old star changed: the goal is for him to play at least one match in the World Cup, provided Brazil advances to the knockout stage.
According to Brazilian media Globo Esporte, Neymar is attempting to optimize the final phase of his recovery at The Ridge hotel and Columbia Park training center. The player maintains an intensive routine:
The coaching staff remains cautious and doesn't want to rush things. His call-up for the third group match against Scotland, scheduled for Wednesday, June 24 in Miami, is also not guaranteed.
Neymar's last official match with Brazil was on October 17, 2023 against Uruguay at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, during South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. In that match, he suffered a torn ligament in his left knee that kept him off the pitch for months.
Neymar was present during Brazil's first match against Morocco (a 1-1 draw), though he wasn't part of the called-up players. On Wednesday, he put on his boots, greeted the press with "Did you miss me?", participated in warm-up exercises, did separate movements, and then returned to the gym.
Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti hasn't yet resolved the starting lineup to face Haiti in Philadelphia. The main uncertainties involve physical issues and several contested positions:
| Player | Condition | Possible Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Magalhaes | Muscle fatigue | Leo Pereira |
| Raphinha | Blisters | Gabriel Martinelli |
| Midfield | Starting spot dispute | Fabinho alongside Bruno Guimaraes (ahead of Casemiro) |
| Forward | Position in dispute | Igor Thiago (started in debut) competing with Matheus Cunha |
Two confirmed changes: Danilo will replace Ibáñez at right-back, and Luiz Henrique will step in for Lucas Paquetá in the offensive zone.
Competition:
Group C - 2026 World Cup
Date and Time:
Thursday, June 19, 2026, 21:30 (Argentina time)
Venue:
Philadelphia, United States
Brazil is coming off a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their tournament debut. The five-time world champions need a victory to improve their position heading into the round of 16. The group is very tight, and every point will be crucial for qualification.
Group C Standings: With the opening draw, Brazil must secure three points against Haiti to position themselves favorably for the knockout rounds. The match against Scotland on June 24 could determine the group winner.
Source: Infobae, Globo Esporte, Reuters
Alfredo S. Quiroga
