Neymar is set to undergo a critical MRI scan this Monday (8 June 2026) that will determine whether he can feature in Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco this Saturday (13 June) in New Jersey.
The scan will assess the recovery of his right calf injury and provide head coach Carlo Ancelotti with a definitive update on the No. 10’s availability for the much-anticipated clash.
According to the Brazilian national team’s medical department, the outlook is quite positive. Neymar has shown steady clinical progress, has been free of pain for several days, and is reportedly close to being cleared for full training alongside his teammates.
The forward even chose to forgo his rest day on Sunday, dedicating the entire weekend to dual physiotherapy sessions and muscle-strengthening exercises in a bid to accelerate his recovery.
Plan A vs. Plan B
Should Monday’s imaging confirm that the injury has healed sufficiently, Neymar will return to training later today or tomorrow and could be named in the squad to face Morocco. However, if the scan suggests that more caution is required, the focus will shift toward ensuring he is fully fit for Brazil’s second group-stage encounter against Haiti on 19 June in Philadelphia.
Behind the Scenes
Neymar’s private jet touched down in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday. His family will remain in Miami, which has been designated as the base for the families of all Brazilian players throughout the tournament.
Brazil’s training session is scheduled for 6 p.m. (Brasília time) today. The opening match against Morocco at MetLife Stadium is slated for Saturday at 7 p.m.
📸 LEONARDO MUNOZ - AFP or licensors
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