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Jun 18, 20262
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Neymar Ruled Out of Brazil's Haiti World Cup Match as Calf Injury Recovery Continues
Brazil's Football Confederation ruled out Neymar from Friday's World Cup match against Haiti as the 34-year-old forward continues recovering from a calf injury sustained in May. Despite resuming training at Brazil's New Jersey base, Neymar will remain there to complete his rehabilitation rather than travel with the squad to Philadelphia.

Quick Facts
Who
Neymar (Brazilian footballer)
What
Neymar ruled out of World Cup match against Haiti
When
May 2026 (injury sustained)
Where
New Jersey (training camp)
- Neymar ruled out of World Cup match against Haiti
- Neymar resumed training with Brazilian squad
- Neymar practicing separately from main group
- Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco in group opener
- Neymar (Brazilian footballer)
Neymar will miss Brazil's second World Cup group match against Haiti on Friday in Philadelphia as he continues recovery from a calf injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed on Thursday. The 34-year-old resumed training at Brazil's New Jersey base this week, participating in warmup activities and drill work before practicing separately from the main squad. Despite showing progress in his rehabilitation, the CBF stated that Neymar will remain at the training facility to optimize the final stages of his recovery using the excellent facilities available.
Neymar has been sidelined since May after sustaining a grade two calf strain in his right leg while playing for Santos. The injury represents his latest setback following a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament that kept him out of international competition since October 2023. Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances, Neymar last featured for the national team before the ACL injury occurred.
Brazil opened its World Cup Group C campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco last Saturday. The team will now face Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday and conclude the group stage against Scotland in Miami on June 24. Neymar's continued absence from the squad means Brazil will need to manage without their most prolific scorer as they progress through the tournament.
Why This Matters
Neymar's absence is a significant blow to Brazil's World Cup campaign. As the team's all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals, his continued sidelining weakens Brazil's offensive firepower precisely when they need depth in the group stage. With Brazil having drawn their opener against Morocco, every remaining match is critical to advancing. Readers invested in the tournament should note that Brazil must now navigate their remaining fixtures without their most prolific attacking option, which directly impacts their chances of progressing and potentially winning the competition.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 15, 2026
WireBrazil draws 1-1 with Morocco in World Cup Group C opener
Jun 17, 2026
WireNeymar resumes training with Brazil squad in New Jersey
Jun 18, 2026
WireCBF confirms Neymar ruled out of Haiti match
Jun 20, 2026
WireBrazil scheduled to play Haiti in Philadelphia
Jun 24, 2026
WireBrazil scheduled to play Scotland in Miami to conclude group stage