2026 World Cup Neymar Jr.—A name, a dream, a hope. Despite participating in three World Cups, Neymar's dream of winning the trophy has not yet been fulfilled. It is now mid-2025, and the 2026 World Cup is ahead. Already, the new coach of the Brazilian national team Carlo Ancelotti He said Neymar is still an important part of the team's plans.
The Italian coach made it clear, "If Neymar is fit and prepares himself, he will be in our World Cup squad."
While Neymar's fans are delighted with the announcement, football analysts are also asking the question - is Neymar still fit and sharp enough to win the World Cup?
Repeated injuries: A major obstacle to Neymar's career
There is no doubt about Neymar's talent. However, injuries have been a major curse in his career. He has been injured at key moments in every season during his time at PSG (2017–2023). He then joined Al-Hilal and was sidelined after only seven matches with a knee ligament injury.
He will return to his boyhood club at the end of 2024. In Santos He returned. The aim was to get back into the game and fit into Brazil's World Cup plans. But even there, injuries prevented him from playing fully.
After returning to Santos, he has played only 12 matches in 5 months. Of these, he has scored 3 goals and made 3 assists. However, he has only played 4 matches in the national league. At this time, Santos is in 15th place in the points table, and is only above the relegation zone by goal difference.
The challenges of the Brazilian team and the importance of Neymar
Currently, the Brazilian national team has many young stars—Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Andrec, Pedro. But there is no one like Neymar in terms of experience. In a tournament like the World Cup, not only talent but also experience plays an important role. Neymar is the symbol of that experience.
He missed the semi-finals at home in 2014 due to injury. Despite playing well in 2018, Brazil lost to Belgium in the quarter-finals. In 2022, the team was eliminated in a tiebreaker against Croatia. Neymar himself has played in all three World Cups, but luck has not been on his side.
2026 may be his last chance.
What does Neymar himself say about the 2026 World Cup?
Neymar said in a recent interview, "I know many people think my time is up. But I still believe I can perform in the World Cup wearing the Brazil jersey. Injuries have stopped me, but I haven't stopped."
Such confidence shows that Neymar still wants to prove himself. His contract with Santos runs until December 2025. It is not yet certain whether he will return to Europe after that. But the goal is one - to be fit and play in the 2026 World Cup.
Overall preparation of the Brazil team
The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. This World Cup will feature 48 teams, in a new format. Brazil is of course one of the automatic favorites. However, their performance in big matches has been questioned in the last few years.
At such a time, having an experienced, talented and mature player like Neymar in the team can be a great asset for the team. Especially the young players need a leader to guide them. Neymar can play that role too.
Why is staying fit so important for Neymar?
Neymar's problem is his injury-prone body. ACL, metatarsal fractures, hamstring injuries - these have repeatedly disrupted his career. His style of play is very aggressive, dribbling-based, and as a result, he is often the victim of fouls from opponents.
What he needs to do to play in the World Cup:
- Personal Fitness Trainer and Nutritionist Recruitment
- Increase match time
- Learning injury prevention techniques
- Maintaining mental focus
Neymar on social media: optimistic message
Neymar recently shared a photo of himself on Instagram, with the caption:
"It's not over until I say it's over."
This is a clear message: he hasn't given up yet.
His fans have commented on this post thousands of times, many writing—
"May 2026 be your year", "Shine in the World Cup for the last time", "Neymar, Brazil is looking at you."
Possible squad and Neymar's role
If Neymar is in the World Cup squad, Coach Ancelotti can use him as both an attacking midfielder and a floating forward, because his experience, passing and game sense can make him effective in many places.
Possible attacks could be:
- Vinicius Junior (left)
- Rodrigo (right)
- Neymar (in the center or in the free role)
This combination is dangerous for any opponent.
Last words
Neymar is not just a player for Brazil, he is a passion. Although his career has been full of ups and downs, the 2026 World Cup could bring him back into the spotlight. But there is one condition - he must be fully fit and able to prove himself again.
Will 2026 be the last World Cup of Neymar's career? Probably. But it could also be the most memorable chapter of his long career.
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(FAQ)
Will Neymar play in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that if Neymar is fit, he will be in the squad.
Which club does Neymar currently play for?
He plays for Santos. His current contract with the club runs until December 2025.
What is Neymar's injury status?
He is recovering from an ACL injury and is slowly regaining match fitness.
How does the Brazil team coach want to use him?
There are plans to use Neymar as an attacking midfielder or in a free role, so that he can guide the youngsters.
Will the 2026 World Cup be Neymar's last?
Probably. Considering his age and injuries, this could be his last World Cup.
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