Uncertainty continues to surround Neymar’s calf injury on Wednesday, the opening day of Brazil’s training camp for the 2026 World Cup, as the Seleção begins its quest for a long‑awaited sixth world title, 24 years after its last triumph.
The former Barcelona star arrived by helicopter—along with the rest of the Brazilian squad—at the Granja Comary Training Center in Teresópolis, near Rio de Janeiro.
The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed that all expected players reported on Wednesday. Only three of the 26 players called up by Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti remain in Europe to take part in Saturday’s Champions League final in Budapest between defending champions Paris Saint‑Germain and Arsenal: Marquinhos (PSG), Gabriel Magalhães, and Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal).
Neymar begins his preparations with the national team after missing Santos’ recent matches due to a calf injury. Like the rest of the squad, he is scheduled to undergo medical examinations starting Wednesday.
The 34‑year‑old forward—Brazil’s all‑time leading scorer and a five‑time World Cup participant—has not played for the national team since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023.
As a result, “Ney” is doubtful for Sunday’s friendly against Panama, which will serve as Brazil’s farewell match at the Maracanã before traveling to the United States.
Brazil will play another friendly on June 6 against Egypt in Cleveland, before opening its World Cup campaign against Morocco five days later. The Seleção will then face Haiti on June 19 and Scotland on June 24 in Group C.
