Neymar ruled out of Brazil’s World Cup opener due to injury

Brazil star Neymar will miss his team’s opening World Cup match due to injury, head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Saturday.

Ancelotti said the 34-year-old forward will not be available for Brazil’s opener against Morocco after failing to recover from a calf injury that has kept him sidelined in recent weeks.

Neymar has not yet resumed full training as he continues rehabilitation, the coach added.

The Brazilian Football Confederation said the forward is expected to rejoin team training next week if his recovery progresses as planned.

His availability for Brazil’s second group match against Haiti on June 20 also remains uncertain.

Ancelotti said Neymar is working hard to regain full fitness, highlighting his importance not only for his technical ability but also for his leadership and experience within a young squad.

Neymar has not played for the national team since 2023 but was included in Brazil’s World Cup squad despite his injury concerns.

Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, Neymar is set to feature in what could be his fourth World Cup if he recovers in time.

More read, England football team faces setback after pre-World Cup theft

Earlier, England’s World Cup preparations were disrupted after equipment belonging to the team was stolen ahead of their opening match, according to British media reports.

According to reports, locks on a vehicle transporting the team’s equipment were broken in Kansas City, where items including training boots and footballs may have been taken.

The Football Association is working to determine the full extent of the missing equipment, British media said.

Reports added that the team’s kit and luggage were scheduled to arrive in Kansas City ahead of the squad, with players and coaching staff expected to arrive on Saturday.

Police are investigating the incident in coordination with the Football Association, and two people have reportedly been arrested on suspicion of involvement.