Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior will miss Brazil’s next two matches against Chile and Peru, as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, due to a neck injury. The Brazilian Federation explained in a press statement: “As announced by the Spanish club and the Seleção’s medical department, he (Vinicius) was injured during a match in the Spanish League.”
Coach Dorival Junior summoned Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira to replace him.
The withdrawal of Vinicius, a strong candidate for the Ballon d’Or, represents a new blow to the Brazilian national team, which lost four of its last five matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
. .