Brazil and their fans have been handed a cautious but welcome boost as the FIFA World Cup 2026 draws near. According to the Brazilian Football Confederation, Neymar’s treatment is showing “good progress” and remains within the expected recovery timeline. The 34-year-old had been a major doubt for the tournament after picking up a muscle injury while playing for Santos last month. Athlon Sports
How the Injury Happened
Neymar suffered a calf injury while playing for Santos on May 17, and upon reporting to Brazil’s training camp, he was diagnosed with a grade 2 muscle strain in his right calf. The setback was particularly cruel timing, coming just days after he had been called up to the national squad for what many believe could be his final World Cup appearance. Bleacher Report
Ancelotti Stands Firm on Neymar
Despite the uncertainty, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has publicly backed his forward. Ancelotti said he expects Neymar to be back for the first game against Morocco or the following fixture, adding that he would not be changing his 26-man squad and that all selected players would feature at the World Cup. That unwavering confidence has helped settle nerves around the Brazilian camp.
Brazil kept Neymar away from their friendly trip to Cleveland against Egypt so he could focus fully on rehabilitation. Over the weekend, his recovery included sessions on an anti-gravity treadmill, which allows him to run with significantly reduced impact on the body. Fabrizio Romano also reported that a Monday MRI scan showed good evolution in his treatment, within the expected parameters.Sports
With Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco scheduled for June 13, every passing day of positive news brings Neymar one step closer to a fairytale return on football’s biggest stage.