Where is Neymar? Why Brazil star is not playing today in FIFA World Cup qualifier vs. Colombia, next matches

Neymar earned a recall to the Brazil squad for the March international break and looked set to play for his country for the first time since his terrible knee injury.

The forward suffered serious ligament damage in October 2023 while playing for the Selecao and has since faced a long journey towards regaining full fitness.

Neymar signed for boyhood club Santos on loan at the beginning of this year and has enjoyed a positive time back in his homeland, with three goals and three assists in seven appearances. His form saw him handed a return to the international squad for this month’s important World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.

However, he will now not be involved in his country’s games over the next two weeks. The Sporting News explains why.

Where is Neymar? Why star isn’t playing for Brazil today

Neymar is not playing today as the forward withdrew from the Selecao squad.

The 33-year-old is struggling with an injury issue and is not being risked for these potentially crucial World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.

What time does Brazil vs. Colombia kick off?

This World Cup qualifying match takes place at Arena BRB Mane Garrincha in Brasilia, Brazil and kicks off on Thursday, March 20 at 9:45 p.m. local time.

Here’s how that time translates across some of the major territories:

Brazil fixtures: Next matches, 2025 schedule

After Brazil face Colombia on March 20, they meet Argentina in a huge qualifying showdown on Tuesday, March 25.

Their next games are in June after the end of the European domestic season.