Neymar to miss all group-stage matches?

Brazil superstar Neymar could miss the remainder of the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as he continues his recovery from a calf injury, according to a report by ESPN.

The 34-year-old forward is reportedly not training with the squad ahead of Brazil's second Group C match against Haiti and has undergone another medical examination, the same assessment he took a week earlier. The results of the latest tests have yet to be confirmed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), ESPN reported.

Neymar was included in Brazil's World Cup squad despite suffering a grade-two muscle injury while playing for Santos on May 17. He has not returned to full training since and remained unavailable during Monday's session at the New York Red Bulls training centre.

Brazilian media, as cited by ESPN, reported that the team’s medical staff are targeting Neymar's return for the knockout stage, which would mean he is likely to miss both the matches against Haiti and Scotland in the group phase.

Brazil opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco on Saturday, with Neymar named among the substitutes but not dressed in the team's match kit.

"Neymar is working very hard to recover as soon as possible," Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said before the opening match.

"Our expectation is that he will recover and rejoin the group next week.

"When we included him in the squad, we added him for his technical abilities, which are indisputable. But we also want him for his experience and the example he sets for the young players on the team."