Neymar Relishing Final World Cup Despite Injury Worry

Brazil legend Neymar says he feels "like a kid" ahead of his fourth and final FIFA World Cup.

Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer Neymar has admitted he is approaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the excitement of a teenager, despite uncertainty surrounding his fitness ahead of what he has described as the final World Cup of his career.

The 34-year-old forward is currently recovering from a calf injury and is expected to miss Brazil's Group C opener against Morocco in New Jersey on Saturday. However, medical updates from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) have provided encouragement that he could still feature later in the tournament.

Neymar sustained a grade-two muscle injury in his right calf while playing for Santos on May 17, placing his participation in the early stages of Brazil's campaign in doubt. Although he is unlikely to be included in Carlo Ancelotti's squad for the opening fixture, Brazil remain optimistic about his prospects for the remainder of the competition.

The CBF confirmed this week that the latest MRI scan showed positive progress in Neymar's rehabilitation programme.

In an official medical update, as relayed by GOAL, the federation stated: "The athlete Neymar underwent an MRI scan this Monday. The examination showed good progress in his treatment, within the expected parameters. He will continue the recovery and physical preparation process planned by the Brazilian National Team's medical staff."

Brazil's medical staff have adopted a cautious approach, prioritising Neymar's long-term availability over any rushed return for the opening match and focusing on ensuring the veteran forward is physically ready for the latter stages of the group phase and, potentially, the knockout rounds.

At present, Neymar continues to work through a structured recovery programme that involves physiotherapy and gym-based sessions. A return to individual field training is expected soon if his rehabilitation continues according to schedule.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his immediate availability, Neymar's place in Brazil's World Cup squad remains a major topic of discussion for the tournament.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has not represented Brazil since 2023 due to a succession of injury setbacks, leading to questions whether he would be included in Ancelotti's plans. Nevertheless, the new Brazil manager placed his faith in the country's record scorer as the Seleção pursue a record-extending sixth World Cup crown.

Speaking in a preview of the feature-length documentary Vai, Brasil (Go, Brazil), Neymar reflected on the emotions surrounding his fourth appearance on football's biggest stage.

"Even though it's my fourth World Cup, it's a different feeling because of everything involved and, obviously, because it's the final one," he said, as quoted by Sportstar.

The forward also revealed that the excitement of representing Brazil at another World Cup remains as strong as ever.

"I'm here feeling like a kid, like an 18-year-old going to his first World Cup."

"I'm very proud and happy to be here. I'm going to enjoy every second, every moment of this World Cup, and I hope it will be special as well."

Neymar made his World Cup debut on home soil in 2014 but missed Brazil's infamous 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany through injury. He also featured in the campaigns that ended at the quarter-final stage in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022.

Now, with time running short on one of Brazil's greatest international careers, Neymar hopes to make one final impact on the global stage.

Brazil open their World Cup campaign against Morocco before facing Haiti on June 19 and Scotland on June 24, with Ancelotti's side aiming to begin a new era by ending a 24-year wait for football's biggest prize.