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Jun 18, 2026 Major2
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Neymar Ruled Out of Brazil's Second World Cup Match Against Haiti Due to Calf Injury
Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil's second World Cup match against Haiti on Friday due to a lingering calf injury sustained in May. The 34-year-old will remain in New Jersey to continue his recovery rather than travel with the squad to Philadelphia. He has begun limited training but has not yet participated in full sessions with the team.
Quick Facts
Who
Neymar
What
Neymar ruled out of World Cup match
When
Monday — calf tests conducted
Where
Morristown, New Jersey
- Neymar ruled out of World Cup match
- calf injury assessment
- returned to partial training
- remained in recovery at hotel facilities
- Neymar
Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil's second World Cup match against Haiti on Friday due to a persistent calf injury, the Brazilian soccer confederation announced Thursday. The 34-year-old Santos player will not travel with the squad to Philadelphia and will remain in New Jersey to continue his recovery at the team's hotel facilities. The confederation stated he will "optimize the final phase of his recovery process" during this time.
Neymar returned to training for the first time on Tuesday, participating in physical conditioning exercises. On Wednesday, he rejoined his teammates for portions of the training session and received applause from his squad members upon taking the field. However, he has not yet participated in full training sessions with the rest of the team since reporting to the squad while recovering from a right leg injury.
The injury occurred on May 17 while Neymar was playing for Santos. On Monday, he underwent tests on his right calf to assess his recovery progress ahead of the tournament. The five-time World Cup champions opened their Group C campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco on Saturday.
Neymar, attempting to play in his fourth World Cup, was selected by coach Carlo Ancelotti despite widespread debate in Brazil about whether he should have been included in the squad given his injury status at the time of selection. His first World Cup appearance came on home soil in 2014.
Why This Matters
Neymar's absence is strategically significant for Brazil's World Cup campaign. As a key attacking player and former tournament veteran, his injury forces tactical adjustments and raises questions about squad selection decisions made before the tournament. For fans and bettors, this impacts Brazil's match odds against Haiti and affects fantasy sports lineups. The extended recovery timeline also suggests potential complications that could affect his availability throughout the tournament.
Timeline & Sources
May 17, 2026
WireNeymar sustains calf injury while playing for Santos
Jun 13, 2026
WireBrazil draws 1-1 against Morocco in Group C opening match
Jun 16, 2026
WireNeymar undergoes calf tests to assess recovery progress
Jun 17, 2026
WireNeymar returns to training for first time, participating in physical conditioning
Jun 18, 2026
WireNeymar joins teammates for partial training session, receives applause
Jun 18, 2026
WireBrazilian confederation announces Neymar ruled out of Haiti match
Jun 19, 2026
WireBrazil scheduled to face Haiti in Philadelphia