Brazil raises alarms over Neymar

The excitement of seeing Neymar Jr. lead Brazil at another World Cup is suddenly surrounded by uncertainty.

With only days remaining before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil held its first official training session in Teresópolis on Wednesday, but the biggest absence was its superstar captain.

The situation immediately raised concerns inside the Seleção, especially after the official statement released by the Brazilian Football Confederation.

The statement worrying all of Brazil

Brazil’s federation confirmed that Neymar was unable to train with the squad and even had to leave camp to undergo additional medical examinations.

“The Brazilian Football Confederation informs that player Neymar Jr. did not participate in the Brazilian National Team training session held this Wednesday afternoon in Teresópolis. The player was taken to a local clinic to undergo further tests,” the statement explained.

The federation also made it clear that no further information would be provided until the medical staff completed its evaluations, something that only intensified concerns surrounding the condition of Brazil’s number 10.

Neymar had already been dealing with physical problems

Neymar’s physical issues are not entirely new. Reports of muscular discomfort and fitness concerns had already surfaced in recent days, even forcing him to miss recent matches with his club.

Over the last week, the Brazilian star posted videos of himself training in the gym in an attempt to project confidence, although doubts regarding his recovery never fully disappeared.

After his club’s recent Copa Sudamericana victory — a match he did not play in — Neymar was asked by reporters about his physical condition and responded calmly: “I’m fine, I’m fine… what problem are you talking about?”

Time is beginning to work against Brazil

At this moment, the biggest question is whether Neymar will truly be fit enough to compete at the World Cup.

For now, it has already been confirmed that the Brazilian forward will miss the team’s pre-tournament friendlies, while the next few hours are expected to be crucial in determining the real extent of the injury.

Inside Brazil, there is growing fear that physical problems could once again become the biggest obstacle for one of the greatest stars in the country’s modern football history. And while nobody is officially ruling him out yet, the doubts surrounding Neymar’s participation in the 2026 World Cup continue to grow.

Follow all the action from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on beIN SPORTS.

Watch beIN SPORTS Xtra live for free on YouTube