Neymar out of Brazil friendlies and set to miss World Cup opener

Brazilian star Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil's upcoming friendlies and is set to miss the country's World Cup opener after scans revealed a grade-two calf injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Thursday, May 28, 2026. CBF doctor Rodrigo Lasmar stated that the 34-year-old forward faces two to three more weeks on the sidelines. Neymar had joined the squad on Tuesday but missed Wednesday's first training session and was sent to a private clinic for assessment, with his place in the squad not yet confirmed.