Brazil edge Egypt without injured Neymar in World Cup preps
By Joel Masibo, June 7, 2026Record world champions Brazil continued fine-tuning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Egypt in a friendly match played in Cleveland on Saturday night, June 6, 2026, with injured Neymar Jr still sidelined.
Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes handed the South Americans an early advantage after winning possession from Mohanad Lasheen near the edge of the penalty area before calmly placing his effort beyond the goalkeeper and into the far corner.
Egypt responded by drawing level through Mostafa Ziko. The forward capitalised on a misplaced back pass from Marquinhos, intercepting the ball before firing a low shot past Brazilian shot-stopper Alisson Becker.
The decisive moment came after the break when substitute Endrick, introduced in place of Igor Thiago at halftime, restored Brazil’s lead. The young attacker connected first time with a cross from Raphinha, leaving Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir with no opportunity to make a save.
The encounter served as the final preparation match for both nations ahead of the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Brazil will launch its tournament campaign against Morocco in New Jersey on Saturday, June 13, 2026, while Egypt will begin its journey against Belgium in Seattle on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Neymar Jr’s fitness
Meanwhile, Brazil will be without star forward Neymar for its first match World Cup against Morocco after the veteran attacker suffered a calf injury, according to an announcement from the Brazilian Football Confederation.
Medical examinations conducted at the national team’s training base in Teresópolis confirm that the Santos striker sustained a grade-two strain in his calf muscle. Team doctors estimate that he will require between two and three weeks to recover, making him unavailable for Brazil’s opening Group C clash against the African side.
The injury traces back to Santos’ 3-0 defeat against Coritiba on Sunday, May 17, 2026, after which the club’s medical team initially diagnosed the issue as swelling in the calf.
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.