Neymar Sidelined for Egypt Friendly as World Cup Recovery Continues

Neymar Sidelined for Egypt Friendly as World Cup Recovery Continues

The Brazilian national team's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered another significant blow, this time on the defensive side. On Sunday, June 7, 2026, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced that right back Wesley has been ruled out of the World Cup due to a muscle injury in his left thigh.

Wesley sustained the injury during Brazil's final pre-World Cup warm-up friendly against Egypt on Saturday, June 6, in Cleveland, Ohio. Brazil won the match 2-1 before a crowd of 64,311 fans at Huntington Bank Field, with goals from Bruno Guimarães and Endrick. However, Wesley was forced to leave the game early, and subsequent medical evaluations confirmed he would not recover in time for the tournament.

In response, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has drafted in Atalanta (and Manchester United-bound) midfielder Éderson to take Wesley's place in the 26-man squad. The substitution leaves Brazil thin at the specialist right back position but adds depth to their midfield.

Meanwhile, superstar forward Neymar da Silva did not travel to Cleveland for the friendly, remaining behind to continue his rehabilitation program.¹² Brazil is scheduled to open their Group C World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13, 2026, at MetLife Stadium.

Verbatim Quotes

• CBF Statement: "Brazil Right Back Wesley To Miss World Cup To Injury, Éderson Named Replacement... Wesley injured a muscle in his left thigh. He left early in the team's friendly game against Egypt." — Fox Sports
• Atalanta's Éderson, Midfielder: "Brazil full-back Wesley has been ruled out of the World Cup because of a thigh injury, with Manchester United-bound midfielder Ederson called up to replace him." — BBC Sport