Brazil’s most iconic number, the No. 10 shirt has long been synonymous with Neymar Júnior. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage unfolds, the question consuming Brazilian football is not whether Neymar will feature, but whether he is truly ready to.
Neymar’s road back began on May 17, when he sustained a calf injury while playing for Santos. It marked yet another frustrating setback for a player whose latter career has been defined as much by rehabilitation as by brilliance. The injury came nearly three years after his most serious blow — a torn left ACL and meniscus suffered against Uruguay in October 2023 — which kept him sidelined for the better part of two years. His appearance at Brazil’s training session in the United States on Wednesday, working to the side, was therefore his first practice back since the calf strain.
Brazil’s technical and medical staff have been measured in their messaging. The team’s doctors are not looking to rush Neymar back, preferring he return only when fully fit. His recovery is reportedly progressing on schedule — he was reassessed through medical examinations on Tuesday — but the staff has labeled him unlikely for Brazil’s remaining Group C fixtures: Friday’s (Saturday BST) match against Haiti and the June 24 clash with Scotland. A potential cameo against Haiti has not been ruled out entirely, with a few minutes of game time floated as a possibility to restore his match rhythm, though that would depend on how the contest develops. The more realistic target remains the knockout rounds.
Football daily Marca reported, His surprise appearance at training generated significant excitement among those present, with cameras and eyes immediately trained on the Santos star. Yet the enthusiasm was tempered by what observers actually witnessed. Neymar looked sluggish and heavy in the session, his movements lacking the sharpness and spontaneity that once made him unplayable. Several teammates appeared noticeably more explosive, leaving some onlookers questioning whether the 32-year-old is genuinely ready to compete at the highest level.
The broader debate surrounding Neymar’s place in the squad continues to heat up. His inclusion ahead of players such as João Pedro has drawn criticism from a section of supporters who believe current form, not reputation, should determine selection. Yet the decision has been made — Neymar holds the No. 10 ahead of Vinicius Júnior, a choice that signals the weight his legacy carries within the Brazilian setup.
On the pitch, Brazil currently sit level on points with Morocco after a 1-1 draw in their opening match. Scotland lead Group C following a 1-0 victory over Haiti. With the knockout stages in focus, Brazil will hope to have their talisman available — though whether Neymar can still be that talisman remains the defining question of their tournament.
