Injury Not Yet Recovered, Neymar Confirmed to Miss Brazil vs Haiti Match

Brazil National Team will once again have to compete without Neymar available for selection. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that their star attacking midfielder is still not cleared to represent the Selecao for their second 2026 World Cup Group C fixture against Haiti, kicking off early Saturday WIB.

Neymar's unavailability is disappointing news for Brazil as they chase their first win of the tournament. After only picking up a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their opening Group C match, the Selecao require a victory to protect their qualification chances for the Round of 32.

Although Neymar has resumed light training alongside the Brazil squad at the team's New Jersey training base this week, he is still assessed as not sufficiently match fit. Brazil's medical staff continue to monitor the 34 year old's progress during his recovery from a calf Injury.

Brazil will face Haiti in Philadelphia. They will then close out the group stage against Scotland in Miami on 24 June.

Neymar suffered this injury back in May while playing for club side Santos. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player sustained a grade 2 right calf muscle tear that forced him to pause all competitive Football activity.

This situation has further extended Neymar's wait to return to official action for Brazil. He has not appeared for the national side since sustaining a severe knee injury in October 2023.

Losing Neymar is undoubtedly a major setback for Brazil. Alongside being one of the most experienced players in the squad, he also holds the title of Brazil's all-time top international goalscorer, with 79 goals from 128 senior national team appearances.

This record cements how vital Neymar's contribution has been to the Selecao over more than a decade. His creativity, game reading ability and talent for breaking deadlocked matches have repeatedly been the difference for Brazil during high-stakes fixtures.