Tag: brazil

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has provided a significant update on Neymar’s recovery, casting doubt over the star forward’s availability for the Selecao’s opening FIFA World Cup 2026 fixture against Morocco.

Neymar has been sidelined since suffering a grade-two muscle tear in mid-May, an injury that forced him to miss Brazil’s final preparations ahead of the tournament.

The 34-year-old has already sat out the team’s two World Cup warm-up matches, including victories over Panama and Egypt.

Speaking ahead of Brazil’s Group C opener, Ancelotti confirmed that Neymar is making progress but is not yet ready to return to full training.

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“He is working hard to recover as quickly as possible,” Ancelotti said. “We hope he can return to full training next week.”

Notably, Morocco arrive at the tournament with growing confidence after their historic run to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022.

The clash is also notable as the only group-stage fixture featuring two nations currently ranked inside FIFA’s top 10, with Brazil sixth and Morocco seventh.

While Brazil defeated Morocco 3-0 during the group stage of the 1998 World Cup, the gap between the two nations has narrowed significantly in recent years.

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Neymar last appeared in competitive action on May 17 for Santos in the Brazilian league before sustaining the injury that interrupted his preparations for the World Cup.

Despite the fitness concerns, Ancelotti stressed the importance of Neymar’s presence within the squad, highlighting both his footballing quality and leadership qualities.

“We called him up not only for his football ability, which is indisputable, but also for the experience and example he can give to the younger players in the group,” Ancelotti said.

Should Neymar feature later in the tournament, he would become only the ninth Brazilian player to appear in four FIFA World Cups, joining an elite list that includes legends such as Pele and Ronaldo.

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RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil have received an encouraging update on the fitness of star forward Neymar Jr. ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirming that the veteran attacker is making positive progress in his recovery from a calf injury.

Neymar has been sidelined since suffering a grade-two muscle tear last month, an injury that was initially expected to keep him out of action for up to three weeks.

With Brazil’s World Cup campaign fast approaching, concerns had grown over whether the country’s all-time leading goalscorer would be fit in time for the tournament.

However, a follow-up medical examination conducted earlier this week produced encouraging results. In a brief statement, the CBF said the latest scan showed the 34-year-old’s rehabilitation remains on schedule.

“The exam showed good progress in his treatment, within expected parameters,” the CBF said. “He will continue the recovery and physical preparation process planned by the Brazilian National Team’s medical staff.”

Neymar has already missed Brazil’s two warm-up fixtures before the World Cup, including their emphatic 6-2 victory over Panama and a 2-1 win over Egypt.

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Despite the positive update, his availability for Brazil’s opening Group C fixture against Morocco on June 13 remains uncertain.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player has endured a difficult period due to injuries in recent years.

In October 2023, he suffered a serious knee injury while representing Brazil against Uruguay, rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee.

After returning to Brazilian football with Santos in early 2025, Neymar has continued battling fitness setbacks but remains determined to feature on the biggest stage once again.

With 79 goals in 128 appearances for Brazil, Neymar is the nation’s all-time leading scorer and is aiming to play in his fourth FIFA World Cup, having previously featured in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.

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The Brazilian football federation (CBF) on Sunday announced that injured full-back Wesley will be replaced in the FIFA World Cup 2026 squad by midfielder Ederson.

Wesley suffered the injury in Saturday’s 2-1 friendly win over Egypt before leaving the field in tears.

Atalanta’s 26-year-old Ederson made the last of his three international appearances in March 2025.

“The Brazilian Football Confederation announces that the player Wesley was re-evaluated this Sunday by the medical staff of the Brazilian National Team and underwent imaging tests,” the CBF said.

“The MRI revealed a muscle injury in the adductor muscle of his left thigh.

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“In light of the diagnosis, the CBF announces the call-up of the player Ederson, who will join the squad this Monday in the United States,” the governing body added.

Five-time World Cup winners Brazil start their campaign on Saturday against Morocco before facing Haiti and Scotland in Group C.

Brazil squad for FIFA World Cup 2026

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Danilo (Flamengo), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Douglas Santos (Zenit St Petersburg), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo), Ederson (Atalanta).

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)

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Brazil turned on the style with a 6-2 drubbing of Panama on Sunday in a lopsided FIFA World Cup 2026 send-off at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr fired the Brazilians into the lead inside the opening minute, collecting a pass from veteran midfielder Casemiro before lashing in a thunderous strike from 25 yards.

The five-time World Cup-winners were jolted, though, in the 14th minute when Panama grabbed a freak equaliser, Michael Murillo’s free-kick taking a wicked deflection off Matheus Cunha and sailing past Brazil keeper Alisson.

The combination of Vinicius and Casemiro restored Brazil’s advantage six minutes before half-time.

Vinicius jinked into space on the left-hand side of the penalty area, and what looked like a curling shot destined for the far corner was helped into the net by a glancing header from Casemiro.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti rang the changes at half-time, replacing his entire starting line-up with the exception of Leo Pereira as the second half got underway.

The new-look Selecao wasted no time in asserting their superiority, rattling in three quick goals to put Brazil 5-1 up.

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Teenager Rayan made it 3-1 in the 53rd minute, the 19-year-old Bournemouth talent collecting a misplaced pass from Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera on the right flank and calmly curling in his shot to the delight of the Maracana crowd.

Lucas Paqueta swept in Brazil’s fourth from the edge of the area in the 60th minute, and Igor Thiago made it 5-1 from the penalty spot three minutes later after being brought down by Mosquera.

Botafogo’s Danilo completed Brazil’s scoring in the 81st minute, controlling Paqueta’s floated pass into the box before wrongfooting the covering Panama defence and burying the finish.

Panama grabbed a late consolation when Carlos Harvey crashed in a 30-yard screamer.

Brazil will face a final friendly against Egypt in Cleveland, Ohio, next Saturday, before opening their World Cup Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13.

The Brazilians will also face Haiti and Scotland in the first round of the tournament.

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Brazil superstar Neymar was handed a dramatic recall to the country’s squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday, returning to the national team after a nearly three-year absence.

The inclusion of Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, was the biggest surprise in the 26-man squad named by coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Ancelotti announced Neymar’s selection at a gala ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, with loud cheers ringing out as the veteran attacker’s call-up was confirmed.

Speculation has raged for months over whether the 34-year-old former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker would force his way back into the national team set-up.

The forward, a veteran of the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups, had not played for Brazil since suffering a knee injury during a World Cup qualifying game against Uruguay in 2023.

A mixture of injuries and poor form had left him outside the national team set-up, with Ancelotti citing concerns over his fitness after leaving him out of Brazil’s squad for March friendlies against France and Croatia.

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However, Neymar, who rejoined boyhood club Santos in January after an injury-ravaged stint in Saudi Arabia, has now earned Ancelotti’s stamp of approval for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“We monitored Neymar throughout the year and observed that, in recent times, he has been playing consistently and his physical condition has improved,” Ancelotti said. “We believe he is an important player.”

Injuries have restricted Neymar to just 15 appearances in 31 matches since his return to Santos in 2026.

Brazil, who are chasing a record sixth World Cup crown, open their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 before playing Haiti and Scotland in Group C.

Neymar joins a potent line-up of attackers that includes Barcelona striker Raphinha and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.

Ancelotti, meanwhile, said he believed the World Cup would be won by the most “resilient” team.

“The World Cup won’t be won by a perfect team — because a perfect team doesn’t exist,” he said. “It will be won by the most resilient team.”

Brazil squad for FIFA World Cup 2026

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Danilo (Flamengo), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Douglas Santos (Zenit St Petersburg), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo).

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)

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Chelsea forward Estevao is set to miss the FIFA World Cup 2026 after reportedly being excluded from Brazil’s 55-man preliminary squad for the tournament.

According to ESPN, the teenager failed to make the expanded squad submitted by the Brazil football team ahead of the World Cup in North America.

Estevao’s participation in the tournament had been under serious doubt after suffering a muscle injury in his right thigh during Chelsea’s 1-0 Premier League defeat against Manchester United on April 18.

Reports suggest there was initial optimism that the 19-year-old could recover in time for what would have been his first World Cup appearance.

However, medical staff from both Chelsea and Brazil were reportedly unable to guarantee the winger’s full recovery before the tournament.

Sources further claimed the player himself had accepted that his World Cup hopes were fading and appeared visibly disappointed when he recently arrived at former club Palmeiras for treatment.

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Despite Estevao’s omission, veteran forward Neymar was included in Brazil’s preliminary squad as he continues his push for a fourth World Cup appearance.

The 34-year-old, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals, had previously been left out of every squad named by head coach Carlo Ancelotti since the Italian took charge in June.

Teams participating in the FIFA World Cup were required to submit preliminary 55-player squads by Monday, with final 26-man squads to be selected from those lists closer to the tournament.

Before suffering the injury, Estevao had been widely considered a certain selection for Brazil, particularly with Ancelotti reportedly a strong admirer of the youngster.

The highly rated attacker joined Chelsea from Palmeiras last summer in a deal worth £29 million and has scored eight goals in 36 appearances across all competitions since arriving in England.

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Argentina captain Lionel Messi has voiced his support for former Barcelona and PSG teammate Neymar, insisting the Brazilian star still deserves a place in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 despite ongoing injury and fitness concerns.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals, has not represented the national side since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023.

Since returning to Santos FC last year, the 33-year-old has struggled to regain rhythm and consistency.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti, however, has repeatedly kept the door open for Neymar’s return and recently stated that the forward still has time to prove his fitness ahead of the tournament.

Speaking on the Lo del Pollo show, Messi stressed that players of Neymar’s calibre should always be considered for football’s biggest stage.

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“We want the best players to be there and Neymar, no matter his form, will always be one of them,” Messi said. “It would be wonderful to see him at the World Cup because of what he means to Brazil and to football.”

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also named Brazil among the favourites for the 2026 World Cup, alongside reigning champions Argentina, as well as Spain and France.

“I still believe Brazil is always a contender and has the players necessary to compete for the title in any major tournament,” he added.

Messi, who famously guided Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, is expected to feature in what could be his final appearance at the global event.

The FIFA World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by the United States of America (USA), Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to begin on June 11.

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Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to be handed a four-year contract extension, taking him through to the FIFA World Cup 2030, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said Thursday.

Italian legend Ancelotti took over as Brazil coach last year and oversaw the five-time world champions’ successful qualification for next month’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The 66-year-old former Real Madrid, AC Milan and Chelsea coach has been in negotiations with the CBF for months concerning a possible extension to his existing deal.

CBF President Samir Xaud said Thursday he is “certain” Ancelotti’s extension will be officially confirmed, “before the World Cup.”

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Xaud, speaking at the FutPro Expo conference in Fortaleza, said the CBF and Ancelotti’s legal advisers were working through aspects of the Italian’s new contract.

Ancelotti has repeatedly expressed his willingness to continue in his current role after this year’s World Cup.

He is due to announce his final squad for the tournament on May 18 in Rio de Janeiro before Brazil gather for a World Cup send-off against Panama at the Maracana Stadium on May 31.

The Brazilians will be based in New Jersey during the World Cup, and face Morocco, Scotland and Haiti in Group C.

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Two-time World Cup winner Cafu believes that the 2026 edition is the perfect time for the five-time champions, Brazil, to take back the crown for the first time in 24 years.

Cafu was captain when Brazil won their fifth World Cup, beating Germany 2-0 in the 2002 final in Yokohama. He was also part of the side that beat Italy on penalties to win in 1994 in Pasadena.

“Twenty-four years after the last title win, I think it’s the perfect moment for Brazil,” Cafu told reporters in Madrid, where he is attending the Laureus Awards.

“We’ve also brought in a serial winner of a coach, Carlo Ancelotti, who will add to the greatness of the Brazilian national team.”

Cafu, who was a right-back, said Brazil already had strength in midfield and attack, so Ancelotti had focused on strengthening the defence for this year’s tournament to be held in the US, Mexico and Canada.

“Because if Brazil doesn’t concede goals in a World Cup, they’re sure to score a goal per game,” Cafu said.

He said he hoped Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, a player often embroiled in controversy, would have a strong tournament, saying: “The World Cup is the best way to overcome any kind of controversy.

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“In those eight matches (if they reach the final), Vinícius Junior has the potential to show the whole world his worth and what he can do in terms of football.”

Vinícius produced an assist in the 3-1 victory over Croatia in Orlando on April 1, which helped dispel doubts after the defeat against France in another friendly. Endrick, 19, also shone in the Croatia win.

“I think it’s a good time for him,” said Cafu, who believes Real Madrid’s decision to loan the forward to French club Lyon last year had been a positive move for the teenager.

“It did him a lot of good. It helped him grow, play, make his mark, and become a key player. It’s obvious that at Real Madrid, with so many stars, it’s difficult for a young player to become a key player.

“He’s a young player who can contribute a lot to Brazil, and I’m sure Ancelotti is looking at him favourably,” added Cafu.

Bookmakers have placed Brazil among the top five favourites, with reigning European champions Spain currently leading the way.

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Brazil forward Vinicius Jr. has expressed renewed confidence in his form, stating that he is determined to translate his club success with Real Madrid onto the international stage as preparations intensify for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.

Speaking ahead of Brazil’s international friendly against France, the 25-year-old admitted he is in a much better place mentally and physically after overcoming a difficult phase earlier in the 2025–26 season.

“I feel more at ease, I’m happier, and when I’m happier, everyone around me is happier and more confident too,” Vinicius said.

The winger endured a challenging start to the campaign, going through a 16-match goal drought and facing criticism from sections of the Santiago Bernabéu crowd. However, he has since rediscovered his rhythm, contributing 17 goals and 13 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.

Despite enjoying a decorated spell at club level, including multiple league titles and UEFA Champions League triumphs, Vinicius is yet to replicate that dominance consistently for Brazil. He has scored eight goals in 45 appearances for the five-time world champions.

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With his second World Cup approaching, the forward made it clear that performing for his country remains his ultimate ambition.

“I hope that everything I do for Real, I can go on to do here with the Brazilian national team. That’s my biggest goal. It’s where I’ve always dreamed of being, and I want to bring great pride to our country and a lot of joy to our entire nation,” he added.

Brazil are looking to bounce back after their quarter-final exit at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they were knocked out on penalties by Croatia. Vinicius, however, insisted he is focused on his own preparation and not external expectations.

“I know what I’m capable of and how much I’ve been working to be ready for the World Cup,” he said.

As Brazil continue to rebuild towards another title challenge, Vinicius’ resurgence could prove crucial in their bid to return to the top of world football.

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