Why is Neymar not playing in Brazil vs Uruguay FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier?

Neymar to miss Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Uruguay

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar will miss Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Uruguay on Thursday due to a thigh injury.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the news in a statement on Tuesday, saying that Neymar had suffered a "grade 1 muscle injury in his left thigh" during PSG's 2-1 win over Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Neymar's injury is a blow to Brazil's World Cup hopes

Neymar is Brazil's captain and talisman, and his absence from the team will be a major blow to their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil are currently top of the CONMEBOL standings, but they have only played two games so far. Uruguay are second in the standings, with four points from their three games.

A win for Uruguay on Thursday would see them move level on points with Brazil, and it would put them in a strong position to qualify for the World Cup.

Neymar is expected to be out for two to three weeks

Neymar is expected to be out for two to three weeks with his thigh injury, which means he is likely to miss Brazil's next two World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Colombia.

Brazil will be hoping that Neymar can return to fitness in time for the Copa América, which is scheduled to take place in June and July 2026.

Brazil have a number of other attacking options

Despite Neymar's absence, Brazil have a number of other attacking options available to them.

Vinicius Junior, Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus are all capable of playing in Neymar's position, and they will be looking to impress in his absence.

Brazil will also be hoping that Neymar can return to fitness in time for the World Cup. He is their most important player, and they will need him to be at his best if they are to win the tournament.