2026 World Cup: Neymar misses Brazil training session to injury

Santos FC forward Neymar Jr. has missed the opening training session of Brazil’s National Men’s Football Team.

The Selecao commenced their preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, May 28, but without Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and Neymar. Neymar was the only injury-related absentee.

Neymar’s absence was due to injury as the former FC Barcelona player continues to rehab from a right calf injury.

The latest injury to Brazil’s all-time leader in goals forced Neymar to miss three games in the lead-up to the opening day of Brazil’s camp.

Due to his absence, Neymar is expected to be absent in Brazil’s pre-World Cup friendly game against Panama on Sunday, May 31.

Arsenal’s Brazilian forward #11 Gabriel Martinelli shoots to score Arsenal’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League, league phase – matchday 6, football match between Club Brugge and Arsenal (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP via Getty Images)

Beyond Panama, Brazil are scheduled to take on Egypt on June 5. Brazil have been drawn in Group C with Haiti, Scotland and Morocco.

SANTOS, BRAZIL – MARCH 15: Neymar Jr of Santos prepares to take a free kick during a Brasileirao 2026 match between Santos and Corinthians at Estadio Urbano Caldeira on March 15, 2026 in Santos, Brazil. (Photo by Marco Buenavista/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images)

Neymar was surprisingly included in Brazil’s World Cup squad by Carlo Ancelotti, with the likes of Chelsea’s Player of the Season winner Joao Pedro missing out on a call-up.