FIFA World Cup
(VIDEO) Neymar Trains in the United States for the First Time During FIFA World Cup 2026
The superstar was the standout presence at Brazil's training session as the Seleção prepares for its upcoming clash against Haiti in the summer tournament.… Show More
The superstar was the standout presence at Brazil's training session as the Seleção prepares for its upcoming clash against Haiti in the summer tournament.
Neymar, sidelined for the past month with a right calf injury, provided Brazil with a major boost on Tuesday after returning to the training pitch for the first time since arriving in the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
BRAZIL HANDED A BOOST
According to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), the Santos star "took another step in his recovery process" by training on the grass for the first time at Columbia Park in Morristown, New Jersey, where Brazil have set up their World Cup base camp.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward completed light running drills and exchanged instructions with a member of Carlo Ancelotti's coaching staff, according to footage released by the CBF.
NEYMAR'S INJURY SETBACK
The striker suffered the injury on May 17 during a Brazilian league match, just one day before head coach Carlo Ancelotti included him in Brazil's 26-man squad for the World Cup.
Santos initially reported that Neymar had sustained only a minor edema, but further examinations conducted by the CBF revealed a more serious Grade II muscle injury, with an estimated recovery period of two to three weeks.
Despite the setback, Ancelotti opted to keep the veteran forward in the squad, citing his experience and leadership qualities.
Over the past two weeks, Neymar has undergone medical assessments, physiotherapy sessions and gym work as he continues his rehabilitation.
Although his recovery is progressing, the all-time leading scorer in Brazil's history remains a doubt for Friday's Group C clash against Haiti in Philadelphia.
The 34-year-old has not played for the senior national team since October 17, 2023, when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee during a World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay in Montevideo.
Since then, Neymar has yet to make another appearance for Brazil and has accumulated close to 700 days on the sidelines through a combination of injuries, rehabilitation periods and recovery breaks, according to data from Transfermarkt.
