Neymar Returns to Brazil National Team Despite Calf Injury Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, and Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti just gave the people what they wanted to see.

Neymar’s call to join the national team again led to a country-wide celebration, as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer beat the odds to return for what will most likely be his final World Cup.

Nevertheless, the joy was short-lived. Neymar is dealing with an injury again, and while he will still be a go for the tournament, this will be a situation to keep a close eye on. The former Barcelona star suffered a calf injury that will keep him on the shelf for the next Santos matches.

Neymar suffers a calf injury just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup

“Neymar has a minor calf injury, an edema,” Santos head of medical Rodrigo Zogaib said to Brazilian sports network GE, per ESPN. “But, according to our planning, his progress will allow him to be fit next week when he will join up with the national team.”

The legendary striker will stay with the team and undergo treatment at Santos’ Rei Pele Training Center in Sao Paulo. He’ll also remain under close observation of the Brazilian Football Confederation’s medical staff.

Brazil will face Panama in a couple of weeks to tune up the squad before the major tournament, and it’s safe to assume it won’t risk further injury with Neymar for that matchup. Ancelotti’s team will need Neymar for the Group Stage when it faces Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland.