Brazil forward Neymar Jr. will not play in the team’s Group C match against Haiti on Friday in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 34 year old remains sidelined by a right calf injury and will not travel with the squad to Philadelphia.
Neymar has been working his way back after missing Brazil’s opening 1-1 draw with Morocco. He rejoined group training this week in New Jersey for the first time during the tournament, taking part in some drills alongside teammates like Raphinha and Bruno Guimaraes. However, medical staff and coach Carlo Ancelotti have decided against rushing him into the Haiti game.
The decision keeps Neymar on a careful recovery path. Brazilian media and team sources report he is expected to focus on building fitness for a possible return in the knockout rounds, should Brazil advance from the group stage that also includes Scotland.
Brazil will face Haiti at Lincoln Financial Field without one of its most experienced attackers. The team continues preparations in New Jersey ahead of the Friday match.