Neymar ruled out against Morocco, Ancelotti hopes for return next week

Neymar will not take the pitch in Brazil’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti confirmed this at a press conference on the eve of the match against Morocco, scheduled for the night of Saturday to Sunday (00:00).

Injured since the squad announcement, the Santos forward has not yet returned to group training. Ancelotti, however, hinted at a swift return: “Neymar is working hard to recover as quickly as possible. We hope he will be fit and rejoin the squad next week.” The manager stressed the player’s importance beyond his technical qualities, mentioning “his experience and the example he can set for the young players in the team”.

When asked about the Moroccan opponent, Ancelotti did not try to hide a certain caution. “Am I afraid of the match against Morocco? Yes, but I repeat: fear is essential in life. Without fear, a lion looks like a cat,” he said, before adding: “I am convinced that we are ready to play a great match tomorrow and experience an exceptional World Cup.”

Neymar’s absence deprives Brazil of its most emblematic player right from the start of the competition. The Brazil-Morocco clash is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the first round of the World Cup.