How Neymar saved Brazil from a shocking World Cup opening loss without playing a minute
The Brazilian national team narrowly avoided a disastrous start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, escaping their Group C opener against Morocco with a 1-1 draw over the weekend. After Ismael Saibari gave the Moroccan squad an early lead, a stunning 32nd-minute equalizer from Vinicius Junior secured a crucial point for Brazil. However, the ultimate catalyst for their survival never even set foot on the pitch. It was none other than Neymar, who was sidelined while recovering from a calf injury.
Although the Brazilian star didn’t play in the team’s opener, Junior reportedly said after the game that it was a conversation with Neymar during the team’s water break that ultimately led to his equalizer.
“He came over to me during the hydration break and told me I needed to get myself into the game a bit more because I’d been a little quiet,” Junior reportedly said. “He said Morocco were putting so much attention on Raphinha because of the way he was pressing and getting on the ball, so there would be more space for me if we used it well.”
He added that Neymar also spoke to Bruno Guimaraes and said that if Junior could get the ball, he could attack inside and get a look at the goal.
“He also spoke to Bruno Guimaraes and told him to keep looking for me whenever he could. Neymar felt they had already read what we were trying to do with Igor Thiago. They were expecting crosses into the box and were making it difficult for us to play through the middle as well.”
“He told us that if Bruno could find me instead, everyone would think I was going to cross for Igor, but there could be space if I attacked inside,” Junior continued. “That’s what happened. I cut in, took the shot, and thankfully it went in.”
Neymar’s impact even on the sideline for Brazil at World Cup
Not surprisingly, Junior had high praise for Neymar and his ability to see the game and notice adjustments that can be made. In this instance, it proved integral to Brazil finding a goal that leveled the score at 1-1 against Morocco. Although Brazil emerged from the match with one point after a 1-1 draw, that goal helped the popular pick avoid an early loss and set up an uphill climb to potentially win the group.
While Neymar still helped his team from the sidelines in this game, it doesn’t appear he’ll be able to return to the pitch during the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. According to ESPN, Neymar is not expected to return until the knockout stages of the tournament.
The 34-year-old suffered the injury playing for Santos on May 17 and has been unable to return to training since. If this stands true, Neymar will miss the games against Haiti and Scotland in Group C, with the hope remaining that he’ll be back after that.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: How Neymar saved Brazil from a World Cup loss without playing
