World Cup 2026: Neymar back in training with Brazil as recovery continues
Brazilian star Neymar Jr has taken another step in his comeback after returning to training with the national team at the FIFA World Cup 2026 camp on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
The 34-year-old attacker joined his teammates for initial fitness exercises and training drills before breaking away to continue an individual recovery programme at Brazil’s base in New Jersey.
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Neymar has been out of action since May, when he suffered a second-degree strain in his right calf while representing Santos. The injury has kept him on the sidelines as he works toward full fitness.
Injury assessment
According to Brazil’s football federation, the recent assessment followed an MRI examination conducted to evaluate the progress of the 34-year-old’s rehabilitation from a grade-two calf injury in his right leg.
In a statement on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, the federation indicated that his recovery is progressing as anticipated and remains on course with medical expectations.
CBF noted that Neymar will continue following a specialised treatment and rehabilitation plan designed by the team’s medical staff. However, no specific timeline was provided regarding his return to competitive action.
The statement read: “The athlete Neymar underwent an MRI scan this Monday. The examination showed good progress in his treatment, within the expected parameters. He will continue the recovery and physical preparation process planned by the Brazilian National Team’s medical staff.”
Although his recovery appears to be progressing well, the forward is unlikely to feature in Brazil’s upcoming Group C encounter against Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday, June 19, 2026. Reports from Brazilian media suggest that the experienced attacker is unlikely to feature in Brazil’s opening World Cup fixtures and could miss at least the team’s second group-stage encounter.
Brazil’s record goalscorer, with 79 goals from 128 appearances for the national team, has not played for the Seleção since sustaining a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in October 2023.
The five-time world champions opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco last Saturday and will be hoping to secure their first victory of the tournament when they face Haiti.
