Story perspectives

Brazil Faces Haiti Without Neymar, Injury Delays Return

6/18/2026

Summary

Neymar Misses Haiti

Brazil will face Haiti on June 19 in Philadelphia without Neymar.
Brazilian Football Confederation said Neymar will stay in New Jersey and not travel with squad.
He injured his calf on May 17, missing Brazil's 1-1 draw with Morocco on June 12.
He resumed limited practice on Tuesday while coaches said they will not rush his return.
Brazil hopes he will be fit for the Group C finale against Scotland on June 24 in Miami.

Summary

Neymar Skips Haiti

The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed Neymar will miss the Haiti match, causing fan disappointment.
Physiotherapist Cristiano Nunes and coach Mino Fulco run Neymar’s rehab at the Ridge hotel and Columbia Park, prohibiting contact drills and emphasizing stability work.
Haiti sits bottom of Group C after losing to Scotland, while Brazil holds point from a draw with Morocco.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar’s experience is crucial for Brazil’s players despite his absence.

History

Historical Context

Brazil’s reliance on star forwards resurfaced when Neymar’s calf injury on 17 May 2024 forced him out of the Copa América squad, echoing the 12 July 1998 World Cup final where Ronaldo’s pre-match health crisis left Brazil to lose 3-0 to France before an 80,000-person crowd. Both episodes have spurred the federation to strengthen medical protocols and depth.

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Neymar Misses Haiti

Brazil will face Haiti on June 19 in Philadelphia without Neymar.
Brazilian Football Confederation said Neymar will stay in New Jersey and not travel with squad.
He injured his calf on May 17, missing Brazil's 1-1 draw with Morocco on June 12.
He resumed limited practice on Tuesday while coaches said they will not rush his return.
Brazil hopes he will be fit for the Group C finale against Scotland on June 24 in Miami.

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