Ruled out: Why Carlo Ancelotti is refusing to risk Neymar in Brazil’s World Cup clash

19.06.26 FT World Cup

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Brazilian star Neymar will miss Friday's Group C World Cup match against Haiti in Philadelphia as he continues his injury recovery.

The wait to see Brazil's iconic number 10 back on the ultimate global stage has been extended.

According to an official press release distributed by the Brazilian Football Confederation, the legendary attacker will not board the flight for the squad's second fixture. Instead the federation confirmed that the 34 year old "will remain at the team's camp to make the most of the final stage of his recovery process"

Ancelotti plays the long game

Just last week, Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti publicly expressed his confidence that the "Samba" star would be fit for the Philadelphia showdown after missing their opening match against Morocco.

However tactical priorities have clearly shifted. According to widespread reports in the Brazilian press, Ancelotti and his medical staff are completely unwilling to take any gambles. They are actively shielding their talisman from a rushed return fearing an unnecessary relapse could completely derail his availability for the decisive knockout stages.

A painful road to recovery

The Selecao's all-time leading scorer who boasts an incredible 79 international goals, finally laced up his boots to train alongside his teammates on Wednesday.

It marked his first full session on the pitch since suffering a right calf muscle tear while playing for Santos a month ago. This recent muscular setback feels especially cruel considering World Cup 2026 was meant to be his triumphant return to the national team after a horrific anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear sidelined him from international duty since October 2023.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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