Neymar suffers calf injury scare ahead of Brazil’s FIFA World Cup 2026 opener

Brazil star Neymar Jr has suffered a major injury setback ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after being ruled out of Brazil’s upcoming international friendlies.

The forward missed training after scans confirmed a Grade 2 calf injury, the same issue that sidelined him during his recent spell with Santos FC. Brazil will face Panama and Egypt in warm-up matches before the World Cup, but Neymar is now expected to miss both fixtures. CBF doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said the recovery could take two to three weeks, placing his participation in Brazil’s World Cup opener under serious doubt.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti is now sweating over the fitness of the nation’s all-time leading scorer.