The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) released an official statement on Monday (Jun. 8) regarding the recovery of forward Neymar, who suffered a right calf injury.

According to the statement, Brazil’s number 10 underwent an MRI scan that showed “good progress, within expected parameters.” However, no timeline has been set for the player’s return to the field. The statement notes only that Neymar “will follow the recovery and physical preparation plan devised by the Brazilian national team’s medical staff.”

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Brazil’s World Cup debut will take place next Saturday (13) against Morocco in New Jersey, United States, where Carlo Ancelotti’s team has been training. Last Saturday, the squad traveled to Cleveland and defeated Egypt 2-1 in a friendly. Neymar, however, did not travel with the rest of the delegation.

When the national team roster was announced for the World Cup on May 18, Santos, Neymar’s club, reported that the player had swelling in his calf. However, when he joined the national team nine days later, he underwent further tests that revealed a Grade 2 injury in the area. The following day, the national team’s doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, said Neymar would need another two to three weeks to recover. According to that timeline, the earliest possible date for his return would be next Thursday (11).

FIFA allows roster changes up to 24 hours before a team’s opening match. However, at a press conference on May 30, Ancelotti reaffirmed that Neymar will not be removed from the squad.

The Brazilian men’s national soccer team thrashed Panama 6–2 in its final friendly match on home soil before the World Cup. More than 72,000 fans packed the Maracanã Stadium on Sunday (May 31), where coach Carlo Ancelotti fielded two different lineups in each half, much to the delight of the crowd.

In the first half, Brazil came out pressing aggressively, and it took just one minute for Vinicius Júnior to open the scoring. Shortly afterward, the team lost intensity, and Panama equalized through Murillo. In the closing minutes of the half, Casemiro scored with a header to give the Brazilian team a 2–1 lead heading into halftime.

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While Brazil struggled to score in the first half, created few chances in midfield, and faced difficulties attacking down the right flank, it dominated the game in the second half. Ancelotti fielded 10 reserves and kept only starter Léo Pereira in defense. As if by magic, Brazil began pressing the ball out of defense, improved their passing, and built attacks through midfield with Danilo, Lucas Paquetá, and Fabinho.

Dominating possession and controlling the game, Brazil added four more goals through Rayan, Lucas Paquetá, Igor Thiago (from a penalty), and Danilo Santos. Harvey pulled one back for Panama in the closing minutes, making the final score 6–2.

Next steps

The team departs for the United States on Monday (Jun. 1), where it will play its final friendly before the World Cup. Brazil will face Egypt in Cleveland on Saturday (Jun. 6).

Brazil will open its World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey. The Brazilians are in Group C alongside Haiti and Scotland.

Most of the 26 players called up to represent Brazil at the World Cup have already gathered in Teresópolis, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, for the final stage of preparations ahead of the soccer tournament, which begins in 15 days and will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

On Wednesday (May 27), the players underwent medical evaluations and held a training session closed to the press.

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Coach Carlo Ancelotti will lead four training sessions through Saturday (30) in preparation for the friendly against Panama, which will take place on Sunday (31) at 6:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Maracanã Stadium.

The following day, the team will travel to the United States, where they will play a final friendly match against Egypt on June 6 in Cleveland.

Their World Cup debut will be against Morocco on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Brazil is in Group C, which also includes Haiti and Scotland.