Casemiro Affirms Neymar's Role as Key Player for Brazil at 2026 World Cup

Brazil midfielder Casemiro has expressed strong support for Neymar, emphasizing the forward's continued importance to the national team's World Cup plans. Although Neymar is currently sidelined with a calf injury, Casemiro remains optimistic about his ability to contribute significantly to Brazil's campaign.

During Brazil's final preparations for the 2026 World Cup in Teresópolis, Casemiro addressed concerns about Neymar's fitness. The Manchester United player faced numerous questions about Neymar, who is recovering from a grade two muscle injury in his right calf, which has raised doubts about his availability.

"Every time I come here, I have to talk about him," Casemiro remarked with a smile before turning serious. "It was actually good that the doctor came here so there wouldn't be so many questions about him. Of course, no player likes to be injured, but I hope he is healthy enough to play; we need everyone. The evolution goes day by day and we are anxiously waiting for all players to be available. Everyone is important, including Neymar."

Despite the injury sidelining Neymar for an estimated two to three weeks, potentially causing him to miss Brazil's opening group match against Morocco, Casemiro rejected claims that Neymar's time as the team's leading figure has ended. He challenged the notion that Neymar cannot still be the central player for the five-time world champions.

"That's you saying it, that he won't be the protagonist," Casemiro responded when asked about Neymar's influence. "A player, despite knowing what he does on the pitch, every one of them wants to have the protagonist role. That question is for Neymar, for the Mister... we know his quality. He is taking care of the injury, he wants to get back to training first. It has to be in stages. Get healthy again, get back to playing, and then think about being the protagonist. Think about health."

The Brazilian medical team has indicated Neymar will miss upcoming friendlies against Panama and Egypt. The primary concern remains Neymar's availability for Brazil's World Cup opener on June 13 in New Jersey against Morocco. His absence would be significant given his experience of 13 World Cup matches and eight goals. The medical staff is working intensively to have the 34-year-old ready to at least be an option on the bench.

Brazil aims to make a strong impact at the 2026 World Cup after disappointing quarter-final exits in the previous two tournaments. The team is hopeful of replicating their success from the 1994 World Cup, which was also held in the United States and where Brazil secured the championship title.