The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced on June 18, 2026, that forward Neymar will not play in the upcoming friendly match against Haiti, scheduled for June 20 in Brasília. The decision was made to avoid any risk of injury as the player is still regaining full match fitness after a recent muscle issue.
Neymar, 34, has been training separately from the main squad and underwent medical assessments that indicated he is not yet ready for competitive action. The CBF's medical staff recommended caution, prioritizing his availability for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Brazil's head coach, Dorival Júnior, confirmed the decision in a press conference, stating that the team will not take unnecessary risks with key players. The match against Haiti is part of Brazil's preparation for the World Cup, which begins in November.
Neymar has scored 79 goals in 128 appearances for Brazil and is expected to be fully fit for the World Cup opener. The CBF has not yet announced whether he will feature in any further warm-up matches.
