Neymar is at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Brazil, but a calf injury has kept him sidelined through the group stage so far.
He missed Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco on 13 June, and Brazil have confirmed he will also sit out the Haiti match on 19 June. Here is what is confirmed, plus exactly when and where to watch Brazil from the Gulf and South Asia.
Is Neymar playing at the 2026 World Cup?
Neymar is in Brazil’s squad but has not yet featured at the tournament. A grade 2 calf strain has ruled him out of the first two group games.
At 34, this is his fourth World Cup. He remains Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 international goals.
He was one of the headline picks when Brazil announced their 26-man roster, alongside VinÃcius Júnior and Raphinha. His selection surprised many analysts given his fitness over the past two seasons.
According to Al Jazeera, coach Carlo Ancelotti backed him despite the doubts. The short answer for fans, as the group stage plays out:
- In the squad: Yes, named in Brazil’s final 26.
- Played vs Morocco (13 Jun): No, sat out the 1-1 draw.
- Playing vs Haiti (19 Jun): No, ruled out and did not travel to Philadelphia.
- Realistic return: Not before the knockout stages, if Brazil advance.
Why Neymar is still sidelined
Neymar has a grade 2 strain in his right calf, picked up playing for Santos on 17 May. He reported to camp injured and has been rehabbing with Brazil’s medical staff throughout the tournament.
He trained briefly with teammates for the first time on 17 June before returning to individual work on the sidelines. That was an encouraging sign, but not enough to clear him for the Haiti fixture.
Brazil confirmed he would not travel with the squad to Philadelphia for the Haiti game. He stayed at the team’s New Jersey base to continue his recovery.
Ancelotti has been firm that Neymar stays in the squad regardless. Brazilian media report the medical staff are targeting a possible return only in the knockout rounds, meaning he is likely to miss the Scotland group game as well.
When to watch Brazil: the group schedule
Brazil are in Group C with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland, and opened with a 1-1 draw against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Every kick-off lands in the small hours for Gulf and South Asian viewers.
With Neymar sidelined, the player to watch for now is VinÃcius Júnior, who scored the equaliser against Morocco. Here are the local kick-off times for the Gulf and India.
| Fixture | Date (US) | Kick-off (GST / IST) |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil 1-1 Morocco (played) | Sat 13 Jun | 2:00 AM / 3:30 AM (14 Jun) |
| Brazil vs Haiti (no Neymar) | Fri 19 Jun | 4:30 AM / 6:00 AM (20 Jun) |
| Scotland vs Brazil | Wed 24 Jun | 2:00 AM / 3:30 AM (25 Jun) |
For the full breakdown of schedules in local Gulf and South Asian times, see our complete Brazil at the 2026 World Cup schedule guide.
Travelling to the US to watch Brazil in person
If you want to see Brazil live, the Haiti match is at Lincoln Financial Field, reached via Philadelphia (PHL). It is a short hop or 90-minute drive from New York.
From the Gulf, the simplest routings run through New York-area airports. Emirates flies Dubai–Newark, while Qatar Airways connects Doha to the New York area.
For the Scotland fixture, look at one-stop options into Miami (MIA), where the game is at Hard Rock Stadium. Etihad from Abu Dhabi is one route to consider.
Book stays early, as match windows drive heavy demand. Compare hotels in New York, hotels in Philadelphia and hotels in Miami.
For host-city routes and the full travel rundown, use our Brazil World Cup travel guide and the Wego flight tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Neymar in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad?
Yes. Carlo Ancelotti named him in the final 26-man squad, his fourth World Cup, though a calf injury has kept him out so far.
Is Neymar playing against Haiti on 19 June?
No. Brazil confirmed he is ruled out and did not travel to Philadelphia, as he continues rehabbing a grade 2 calf strain.
When might Neymar return?
Not before the knockout stages. Brazil’s medical staff are targeting a possible return in the knockout rounds, if Brazil advance, so he is likely to miss the Scotland group game too.
Where can I watch Brazil’s matches?
In MENA, on beIN Sports via satellite, beIN Connect or TOD. In India, on Zee’s Unite8 Sports channels, with select matches free on DD Sports.
Sources
- FIFA — Brazil 26-man World Cup 2026 squad announcement
- Al Jazeera — Neymar will not play in Brazil’s World Cup match against Haiti due to injury
- ESPN — Neymar joins Brazil teammates briefly for training ahead of Haiti match
- France 24 — Brazil and Morocco draw in heavyweight Group C opener
- ESPN — Brazil 1-1 Morocco final score and report
- Sky Sports — World Cup 2026 Group C guide and fixtures
- Al Jazeera — World Cup 2026 full match schedule and start times
- beIN Sports — FIFA World Cup 2026 MENA coverage
- The National — How to watch the World Cup in the UAE and Arab world
- Olympics.com — World Cup 2026 live streaming and telecast in India
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
