Is Neymar playing vs. Haiti? Latest update on Brazil star’s World Cup injury recovery
Is Neymar playing vs. Haiti? Latest update on Brazil star’s World Cup injury recovery originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Of all the practitioners of the beautiful game, few have proven as spellbinding as Neymar. At his essence, the Brazilian superstar is less a footballer than an alchemist, weaving tricks and spells to leave opposition defenders weary.
Advertisement
Historically, Neymar has mixed style with substance. His presence at the 2026 World Cup, likely the last of his glittering career, figured to offer a platform for him to express himself one last time — and perhaps lead Brazil to the prize he has coveted throughout his career: a World Cup trophy.
Neymar was sidelined for the Selecao’s World Cup opener against Morocco, felled by a tricky calf injury. Those hoping to see him take on Haiti during Brazil’s next fixture might want to prepare for the worst.
With that, here’s what you need to know about Neymar’s status for the Selecao’s next World Cup match.
Advertisement
2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets
Is Neymar playing vs. Haiti?
Neymar will not be available to play against Haiti. Brazil’s soccer federation confirmed that the famed winger remains in the throes of his recovery program. He’ll undergo further treatment in New Jersey as his team takes on Les Grenadiers in the second game of its group stage slate.
“He will remain in New Jersey to optimize the final phase of his recovery process, making use of the excellent facilities at The Ridge hotel and the Columbia Park training center,” the CBF said in a news release, per ESPN.
Advertisement
Neymar joined up with his Brazilian teammates for the first time on Wednesday. The Santos playmaker appeared to be in a jovial mood as he made his first appearance at Brazil’s training ground in Morristown, New Jersey, chumming around with Raphinha, Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel and Fabinho while jokingly accessing media members if they missed him.
After a brief spell with the squad, Neymar was sent away to continue his individual training.
MORE:A full list of injured star players at 2026 World Cup
Advertisement
What is Neymar’s injury?
Neymar hasn’t taken the field since he exited Santos’ 3-0 defeat to Cortiba on May 17 with a right calf injury. Neymar reportedly recently had the injury — a Grade II muscle issue, per ESPN — examined by a medical week. The results of the inquiry have yet to be made public.
Initial reports indicated that Neymar could return to action after two-to-three weeks on the mend. That timeline would have seen him be available in time for the latter group stage matches. Recent developments appear to indicate that might have been a fanciful expectation.
Advertisement
MORE: Inside Brazil’s World Cup roster 2026
Did Neymar play vs. Morocco?
Neymar was absent from Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco. He watched on as Carlo Ancelotti’s bunch was thoroughly outplayed by the Atlas Lions.
How many World Cups has Neymar won?
Neymar has yet to hoist the World Cup Trophy. In fact, the Brazilian supernova has failed to reach the World Cup Final during his glistening career.
The closest the 34-year-old got to the title was in 2014 when the Selecao reached the World Cup semifinals. He couldn’t play in the decisive semifinal match that year, however, having suffered a fractured vertebrae in Brazil’s quarterfinal win over Colombia. Brazil went on to lose the match to Germany, 7-1.
Advertisement
MORE WORLD CUP NEWS: