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Neymar undergoes medical assessment ahead of World Cup finals
28th May, 2026 08:24 AM
Brazil star Neymar sat out the national team’s opening training session ahead of the World Cup as he underwent further medical evaluation, according to the Brazilian Football Confederation’s (CBF) statement on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
The 34-year-old attacker has been unavailable for Santos since May 17, 2026, because of swelling in his right calf muscle.
Although he arrived at Brazil’s camp in Teresopolis, close to Rio de Janeiro, on Monday, May 25, 2026, Neymar did not join the rest of the squad in training involving the ball.
Tests
“The player was taken to a clinic in the city to undergo additional tests,” read a statement on the CBF’s official website. “No further information will be released until the medical staff completes its evaluation.”
Previously, Santos physician Rodrigo Zogaib insisted Neymar was “very close to being fit” and unlikely to miss the World Cup, scheduled to kick off on June 11 across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Brazil will open its campaign against Morocco in New Jersey on Saturday, June 13, 2026, before facing Haiti and Scotland in Group C fixtures.
Neymar remains Brazil’s highest-ever scorer with 79 goals from 128 appearances for the national team. His last outing for the Seleção came in October 2023 when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during a World Cup qualifying clash against Uruguay.
Since returning to Santos, the club where he began his professional career, in January 2025, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has continued to battle fitness problems, recording 17 goals in 38 matches in all competitions.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti recently explained that Neymar’s place in the 26-player World Cup squad was not determined by his current performances.
“It was always a physical issue for him,” the Italian said last week. “He can improve his physical condition before the first World Cup match. Experience in this type of competition and the affection he has within the group can help create the best atmosphere.”
