Brazil vs Morocco - World Cup Group C LIVE: Five-time winners kick off campaign against AFCON champions under Carlo Ancelotti - but without injured Neymar

By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-06-13 20:40:50 | Updated at 2026-06-14 11:29:34 14 hours ago

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The curious case of Neymar

A curious one indeed.

Neymar, a world superstar, is 34 now. He’s his country’s all-time top scorer and second on the list of appearances, but not the player he once was.

He’d been frozen out until this tournament. Not playing for Brazil in 30-odd months. But he was brought back into the squad for this tournament under Ancelotti, essentially giving the Brazilian public what they want.

It comes at the expense of the likes of Joao Pedro and Richarlison. But there’s one main issue - he’s not even fit.

He’s been ruled out of tonight with a calf injury, and is not yet in full training. Ancelotti has said he won’t be back until at least the Haiti game a week today.

You do wonder if it will cost them.

 This image has been digitally altered.)  Neymar Jr #10 and Marquinhos #4 of Brazil wait for their portrait during the official FIFA World Cup 2026 portrait session on June 04, 2026 in Morristown, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

 Neymar Jr #10 of Brazil poses for a portrait during the official FIFA World Cup 2026 portrait session on June 04, 2026 in Morristown, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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