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Started 22 hours ago · Updated 17 hours ago

World Cup 2026: Neymar injured, Messi named in Argentina squad, betting frenzy expected

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Brazil's star forward Neymar has been ruled out of upcoming friendlies and is expected to miss the World Cup opener due to a calf injury, confirmed by the Brazilian Football Confederation. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has been included in Argentina's 26-player squad for the tournament, which is anticipated to generate over $50 billion in global betting revenue.

• Neymar's injury is a grade-two calf tear, requiring two to three weeks of rest and rehabilitation, effectively ruling him out of Brazil's initial matches.
• Argentina's squad includes key players like Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Emiliano Martínez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Alexis Mac Allister, with 17 players from the 2022 winning squad retained.
• The expanded 48-team format of the 2026 World Cup is expected to significantly boost betting revenue compared to the 2022 edition.
• Betting interest is shifting towards player-specific statistics and custom bet options, with Argentina and France being the most heavily bet-on teams so far.
• Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti is also managing absences of defenders Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos, and forward Gabriel Martinelli due to club commitments.