Neymar to Start on the Bench for Brazil vs. Morocco

Brazil forward Neymar will be on the bench for the country’s FIFA World Cup opener against Morocco, according to reports from UOL and ESPN. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, at MetLife Stadium in the United States.

Neymar is still recovering from a calf injury and will not take the field. Reports say he will not even wear boots during the match and is expected to stay in sneakers while supporting his teammates from the bench. The decision reflects his preference to remain close to the squad rather than sit in the stands.

FIFA regulations allow all 26 players on a World Cup roster to remain on the bench, even if they are injured. That means Neymar can be with the team on the sideline despite being unavailable to play.

Brazil’s official starting lineup is expected to be announced around 6:00 p.m., one hour before kickoff. A projected lineup includes Alisson in goal; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Alex Sandro in defense; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá in midfield; and Vini Jr., Matheus Cunha and Raphinha in attack.

However, according to SporTV, there is still one question in the forward line. Igor Thiago could replace Matheus Cunha in the starting eleven.

Brazil enters the match with high expectations, but Neymar’s absence on the field is a major talking point. Even so, his presence on the bench may provide leadership and emotional support for the squad as it begins its tournament campaign against Morocco.