Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil – The question hangs heavy over Brazilian football: will Neymar play in the 2026 World Cup? At 34, and grappling with a recent history of injuries, the iconic forward’s place in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is far from assured. His absence from the recent friendly against Cruzeiro, and confirmed omission from the upcoming match against France, underscores the uphill battle he faces to reclaim his spot as a key player for the Seleção.
Neymar’s career, once defined by dazzling skill and relentless attacking prowess at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, has grow increasingly punctuated by setbacks. Since 2023, injuries have limited his playing time, casting a shadow over his ambitions for the tournament in North America. While he dreams of adding a World Cup title to his impressive list of achievements, the reality is that he’s no longer the automatic selection he once was.
Ancelotti Leaves the Door Open, But Challenges Remain
The Brazilian national team’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, acknowledged the situation frankly. While not currently at 100% fitness, Ancelotti stated, “For the final list, it’s another story.” This carefully worded statement offers a glimmer of hope for Neymar, but similarly highlights the significant work he needs to put in to convince Ancelotti of his readiness. The coach is clearly monitoring Neymar’s progress, but the decision will ultimately hinge on the player’s physical condition and match sharpness.
Neymar recently underwent surgery in December 2025 to address a medial meniscus injury, sidelining him for a crucial period. He has made five appearances since his return on February 16th, managing to score three goals and provide two assists – a positive sign, but hardly a demonstration of peak form. The need to build match fitness and avoid further injury is paramount.
The forward himself recognizes the urgency. Speaking to CazéTV, Neymar explained his cautious approach, stating, “This year is very important, not only with Santos but also with Brazil. There is the World Cup, it’s a huge challenge for me. I wanted to play this season totally at 100%, that’s why I missed some matches.” His previous injury history, including a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while at Al-Hilal, understandably informs this careful approach.
Santos Return and the Search for Rhythm
Neymar’s return to Santos was intended to provide him with a familiar environment and consistent playing time. Though, even at his boyhood club, he’s been managed carefully. New Santos coach Cuca opted to rest Neymar for the match against Cruzeiro, citing concerns about workload and the risk of re-injury. “I had a separate conversation with Neymar, and I can tell you now that he will be out of Sunday’s game because he played two matches and cannot play a third in seven days due to workload management. According to our physiology team, the chance of injury is very high, and we cannot take that risk,” Cuca explained.
This decision underscores the delicate balance between regaining match fitness and avoiding another setback. Ancelotti is undoubtedly watching closely, and Neymar needs to demonstrate not only his ability to play, but also his ability to consistently perform at a high level. The upcoming friendlies against France on March 26th and Croatia on April 1st represent a critical opportunity to showcase his progress.
Despite the challenges, Neymar remains a central figure for Santos and a source of hope for Brazilian fans. His presence, even in limited minutes, can elevate the team’s performance. However, he faces stiff competition for a place in the national team, with players like Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, Joao Pedro, Gabriel Martinelli, and Endrick all vying for starting positions.
Support From Within the Squad
Neymar isn’t without support within the Brazilian squad. Defender Marquinhos, currently at Paris Saint-Germain, expressed his belief in Neymar’s ability to overcome his challenges and earn a place in the World Cup squad. “I really believe it’s going to work out, that he’ll go to the World Cup,” Marquinhos told UOL Esporte. “He has a huge desire for that to happen, to come back strong. And we, as teammates and Brazilian fans, want that too. For us, as defenders, Ney is horrible to face.”
Neymar’s track record speaks for itself: 128 caps and 79 goals for Brazil. He remains one of the most talented and decisive players in the squad. However, the emergence of younger, consistently performing players adds pressure. He must prove he can still contribute at the highest level.
The next two months will be crucial for Neymar. He needs to stay injury-free, deliver strong performances for Santos, and demonstrate his unwavering commitment to the national team. As he himself acknowledged in a YouTube video, “Since the first time I was called up, I always knew I was going to be in the next ones. And this time, I don’t realize if I’m going to be or not.” That uncertainty will only be resolved through hard work and consistent performance.
The Brazilian national team faces a challenging road to the 2026 World Cup, and Neymar’s contribution could be pivotal. Whether he can overcome his recent setbacks and reclaim his place in the squad remains to be seen. The world will be watching.
Brazil’s next confirmed match is the friendly against France on March 26th. Fans can follow updates on the Brazilian Football Confederation’s official website ([https://www.cbf.com.br/](https://www.cbf.com.br/)).
What do you think? Will Neymar make the final squad for the 2026 World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
