Neymar Misses Brazil's Group Match vs Haiti Amid Ongoing Calf Recovery

Brazil opened the 2026 World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Morocco on June 16. All-time scorer Neymar Jr. missed that match and also sat out the Group C game versus Haiti on June 19. The 34-year-old suffered a grade-two calf strain with Santos on May 17; a two-to-three-week recovery estimate proved insufficient, leaving him limited to light conditioning and absent from the Philadelphia squad.

Neymar Faces Public Embarrassment Following Brazilian President’s Remarks

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced that Neymar would stay in New Jersey to complete the final phase of his recovery, using the Ridge Hotel and Columbia Park training centre facilities. Coach Carlo Ancelotti added that Neymar would train individually on June 18, join the squad on Monday and is expected to be available for the Scotland match on June 24.

Associated Press

After the Morocco draw, Ancelotti faced criticism for his tactics and said he was “sad” about the result. Commentators also questioned Neymar’s selection given his fitness, noting Brazil entered the tournament without a natural right-back and with only 25 fit players for Haiti.

CBS Sports

Neymar’s absence pushes Brazil to rely on Vinícius Júnior and Matheus Cunha and highlights a shortage at right-back, a role Danilo must fill. Losing his experience and leadership may curb the team’s creativity and morale, especially if Brazil fails to beat Haiti and keep momentum for the Scotland showdown.

Sports Illustrated

Some outlets say Neymar may return for Scotland, while others suggest he could miss both Haiti and Scotland. The two-to-three-week recovery estimate proved inaccurate, and no detailed medical update beyond the CBF’s statement has been released.

FanSided

• “He will remain in New Jersey to optimize the final phase of his recovery process, making use of the excellent facilities at The Ridge hotel and the Columbia Park training center,” — Brazilian Football Confederation

ESPN

• “It's a privilege to be here to be the coach of the national team, and I have to handle the pressure. I think I'm experienced enough to manage that,” — Carlo Ancelotti

CBS Sports

• “[Following drawing Morocco] I was criticized and was sad, but you don't win the World Cup in the first match. I think we will find the solutions.” — Carlo Ancelotti

CBS Sports

• “Our expectation is that he will recover and rejoin the group next week.” — Carlo Ancelotti

ESPN

Brazil faces Scotland on June 24 in Miami. Ancelotti has indicated Neymar should be fit for that match, and a positive result could secure the top spot in Group C and a smoother path to the knockout stage.

Reuters