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Brazil Retains Neymar Despite Calf Injury, Targets May 31 Return.

5/21/2026

32 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Neymar Retained

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti kept Neymar in the 26-man World Cup squad despite a calf injury after reviewing tests.
Santos medical head Rodrigo Zogaib said Neymar has a 2-mm edema causing swelling in his right calf.
Santos announced Neymar will miss matches versus San Lorenzo, Grêmio and Deportivo Cuenca.
Staff expect Neymar fit by May 27, letting him join the camp and play the May 31 friendly versus Panama.

Summary

Neymar Thanks

Neymar posted an emotional Instagram video on May 19 2026 after learning of his World Cup selection.
In the clip he embraced physiotherapist Rafael Martini and fitness coach Ricardo Rosa, thanking them for aiding his recovery.
He said he cried for several hours, expressing gratitude to family, friends and fans.
Brazilian supporters flooded social media with tributes celebrating his perseverance and return to the national team.

Summary

Ancelotti Announces Squad

Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Joao Pedro, Andrey Santos and injured Rodrygo, Eder Militao and Estevao were omitted from Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad.
He said selections depended on fitness, form and experience for key roles.
Brazil opens Group C on June 13, 2026 versus Morocco in New Jersey, then plays Haiti and Scotland.
Journalists cite Brazil’s 1994 World Cup win as evidence the team can exceed expectations when not a favorite.

History

Historical Context

Brazil’s 1994 World Cup, won under coach Carlos Alberto Parreira on July 17, 1994, marked the nation’s fourth title after a 3-2 penalty shootout against Italy. Parreira’s fitness-first selection, featuring Romário’s five goals, set a precedent that today’s coach Carlo Ancelotti follows, keeping Neymar in the 2026 squad while reshaping the veteran core.

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Neymar Retained

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti kept Neymar in the 26-man World Cup squad despite a calf injury after reviewing tests.
Santos medical head Rodrigo Zogaib said Neymar has a 2-mm edema causing swelling in his right calf.
Santos announced Neymar will miss matches versus San Lorenzo, Grêmio and Deportivo Cuenca.
Staff expect Neymar fit by May 27, letting him join the camp and play the May 31 friendly versus Panama.

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