Neymar Injury Update: Will Neymar Play in the World Cup for Brazil?

Brazil has not won a World Cup since 2002, and the weight of a nation’s expectations has weighed heavily on Neymar’s shoulders. The Brazilian star has featured in three World Cup tournaments, and 2026 could be his fourth and final chance to transcend into the pantheon of Brazilian greats.

However, he enters the tournament with questions surrounding his calf and concerns about his lack of playing time. Will Neymar be healthy enough to take the pitch wearing the famous yellow No. 10 shirt?

Over on PrizePicks Team Picks, you can make a prediction on whether certain players will play in the 2026 World Cup and earn a real-money payout if you’re correct. For example, a $100 entry on a player to participate in the World Cup at a 2.5x payout would return $250.

Below, we’ll discuss whether Neymar will play in the 2026 World Cup and highlight picks for the Brazil national team and their star man.

Make your Neymar 2026 World Cup picks on PrizePicks for this year's tournament.

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Will Neymar Play in the 2026 World Cup?

It was a surprise to some when Carlo Ancelotti named Neymar to the 26-man roster for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. After all, he’s played less than 700 minutes for Brazilian club Santos this season and started just 27 top-flight matches in the past three years.

However, his status in the side immediately became a doubt as news leaked of a Grade 2 calf injury for which he was seeking treatment. Injuries have been a major problem for the Brazilian winger throughout the latter half of his career, and he just returned to the pitch in February after having his knee scoped. 

Neymar has been officially ruled out for both of Brazil’s pre-tournament friendlies. He was absent on Sunday when A Selecao registered a 6-2 thrashing of Panama, and he will not participate in the friendly on Saturday, June 6, against Egypt.

Brazil can replace him on the roster up until the day before their opening match on June 13 against Morocco. Ancelotti has shot down those rumors, though, stating, “We expect Neymar to be fit for the first game against Morocco. If not, he will make the following game.”

There are reports and rumors that Neymar’s inclusion was forced onto Ancelotti by the Brazilian federation as part of his contract, as they feel they need his presence for both national morale and for sponsorship requirements.

The question is whether the aging star can still offer anything on the pitch. He’s not been featured for the Brazilian side since October of 2025, and his path into the side is blocked at LW by Vinicius Jr. and Gabriel Martinelli and at CAM by the likes of Matheus Cunha. 

All that said, he’s still Neymar, and the Brazilian fans and players adore him. In fact, Vini Jr. just this past week surrendered the iconic No. 10 shirt to Neymar. It would see Neymar join Pele as the only player to wear that legendary shirt at four different World Cup tournaments.

Brazil is expected to easily qualify from their group, which features very winnable matches against Haiti and Scotland. If they claim all three points against Morocco, and Neymar is fit enough to take the pitch, it’s highly likely we will see him at some point in the latter group stage matches, at least as a substitute. 

Regardless, Neymar’s availability will be a subplot that will surround this squad as long as he’s still part of it. 

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Neymar and Brazil Picks for 2026 World Cup

Here are some Neymar and Brazil picks on PrizePicks for the 2026 World Cup. Check out more of our soccer picks and predictions on Playbook.

Lock in your Neymar and Brazil World Cup picks on PrizePicks before tournament begins on June 11.

Neymar to be the Golden Boot Winner: Yes 33.33x

Neymar is not expected to start or play major minutes for Brazil regardless of fitness, which makes him a significant long shot to win the Golden Boot. His payout of 33.33x represents the largest possible on the board and puts him behind Brazilian teammates Vinicius Jr. (16.66x) and Raphinha (16.66x).

Brazil to Win 2026 Men’s World Cup: Yes 8.33x | No 1.05x

Brazil currently carries the fourth-shortest payout to lift the trophy, behind France, Spain, and England. They are level with Portugal and Argentina. 

Brazil to Win 2026 World Cup Group C: Yes 1.31x | No 3.22x

Brazil was drawn into Group C for their World Cup group stage alongside Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti. They carry the lowest payout to win Group C (1.31x), with Morocco's 4.34x payout second in the group.

Player and Team Picks data is live at the time of writing and is subject to change.

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Make your Neymar World Cup Picks on PrizePicks

Brazilians have long revered Neymar and prayed he would return them to World Cup glory. Injuries have derailed what was a stellar career, but the 2026 World Cup presents him with one final opportunity to reach the pinnacle of international soccer.

You can make your Neymar and 2026 World Cup picks on PrizePicks and PrizePicks Team Picks to earn real money on World Cup games. Just pick players, predict More or Less on their projected stats like shots or goals, and cash in if you’re correct. 

With Team Picks, make predictions on winners, spreads, and over/unders, now available in 35 states. 

Stick around with the Playbook for continued World Cup predictions, picks, and analysis through the end of the tournament.