As the football world looks ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, fans everywhere are asking one important question: Will Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. grace the tournament with his presence? The short answer is yes—Neymar has publicly confirmed his intention to play in what he says will be his final World Cup appearance. But the road to North America 2026 isn’t straightforward for the Brazilian forward.
In this article, I’ll examine Neymar’s current situation, his explicit statements about the tournament, the challenges he faces, and his chances of making it to football’s biggest stage one last time.
Neymar’s Official Confirmation About the 2026 World Cup
Neymar has made his intentions crystal clear regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In January 2025, during an interview with CNN, the Brazilian forward explicitly stated: “I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance and I will do everything I can to play in it.” This bold declaration demonstrates his unwavering determination to represent Brazil one final time on football’s grandest stage.
The superstar has consistently reinforced this message across multiple platforms. In February 2025, during an appearance on the Podpah podcast, Neymar reaffirmed his position, saying, “I want to play my last World Cup (2026), but it will be my last.” He also noted that at 34 years of age during the tournament, he believes he’ll still be at the right stage of his career to compete effectively.
Neymar’s motivation extends beyond mere participation. He has described winning the World Cup as a “very big dream” that continues to fuel his ambition. This dream has apparently been reinforced after watching his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Lionel Messi lift the trophy with Argentina in 2022 at the age of 35.
Seeing Messi achieve World Cup glory has inspired Neymar to believe he too could reach similar heights in what would be his fourth World Cup appearance.
Neymar’s Current Situation and Challenges
Age and Career Stage
As of April 2025, Neymar is 33 years old and will be 34 when the 2026 World Cup kicks off. For perspective, many elite footballers have performed admirably at World Cups in their mid-30s.
Lionel Messi (35) and Luka Modric (37) are recent examples from the 2022 Qatar World Cup who demonstrated that age need not be a barrier to excellence on the global stage.
Neymar’s career trajectory places him at an interesting crossroads. Having achieved considerable success at club level with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, his move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia signaled a shift in priorities. Unfortunately, his time in Saudi Arabia has been marred by injuries, severely limiting his impact and playing time.
Injury Concerns and Recovery Journey
The biggest obstacle to Neymar’s 2026 World Cup dream is undoubtedly his recent injury history. In October 2023, he suffered a severe ACL injury to his left knee during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. This devastating setback required surgery and kept him sidelined for approximately one year.
His recovery journey has been anything but smooth. After making a brief comeback for Al Hilal with two short appearances in October and November 2024, Neymar suffered a hamstring strain that further delayed his return to regular action.
These recurring injuries have raised legitimate concerns about his ability to regain and maintain peak physical condition leading up to the 2026 tournament.
Neymar himself has acknowledged these obstacles, stating: “I am recovering from a very serious injury. I still have some time to return to my level and show why I am here. My priority is to recover well, develop physically, and get back to playing.” This realistic assessment shows he understands the challenges ahead but remains committed to overcoming them.
Club Situation in Flux
Neymar’s club situation appears to be changing significantly. Reports indicate he has returned to his boyhood club Santos. In February 2025, Neymar was welcomed back to Santos by thousands of fans, signing a six-month contract that could potentially be extended.
This move back to Brazilian football could prove crucial for his World Cup aspirations, as playing regularly in a familiar environment might help him regain form and fitness. Neymar has admitted that part of his decision to leave Al Hilal stemmed from feeling unhappy and not getting sufficient playing time after his injury return: “I started getting sad in training sessions [at Al-Hilal], and it wasn’t good for my head. So there was the chance to come back and I did not think twice.”
Interestingly, Neymar has also not ruled out the possibility of reuniting with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. “Obviously, playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible,” Neymar said during an award ceremony in Dubai.
Such a move could potentially place him in North America ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which could offer logistical advantages during the tournament.
Brazil’s World Cup Qualification Journey
Current Standing in CONMEBOL Qualifiers
Brazil’s road to the 2026 World Cup has been rockier than expected. As of early 2025, the five-time world champions find themselves in fifth position in the South American qualifying group, having completed 12 of the 18 qualification rounds.
This position, though concerning by Brazilian standards, still places them in a qualifying spot, as the top six teams from CONMEBOL automatically secure places in the expanded 48-team World Cup format. Brazil currently maintains a five-point advantage over Bolivia, who sit in seventh place.
Neymar’s absence from the national team coincides with this period of struggle. He participated in Brazil’s first four qualifying matches but has not represented the Seleção since his injury against Uruguay in October 2023. His experience, creativity, and goal-scoring ability have been sorely missed during this campaign.
The Path Forward for Brazil
Brazil faces crucial matches in the remaining qualification rounds. With six games left to secure their spot, the team needs to improve their performances to ensure smooth qualification. The potential return of a fit Neymar could prove vital in this effort.
Despite current challenges, Neymar maintains faith in Brazil’s qualification prospects, stating: “I have a lot of faith in the team, in the players who are emerging, who are young. We’re not in a position where we would like to be. I think together we can achieve something very big. We have a year, a year-and-a-half to work, to do the right things to reach the World Cup.”
His optimism suggests he believes Brazil will overcome their current challenges and secure qualification for the tournament, giving him the opportunity to fulfill his dream of a fourth World Cup appearance and potentially lead his nation to glory.
Neymar’s World Cup Legacy So Far
Previous World Cup Performances
Neymar has represented Brazil in three previous World Cups: 2014 (Brazil), 2018 (Russia), and 2022 (Qatar). Each tournament has brought its own story of promise and disappointment for the Brazilian star.
The 2014 World Cup on home soil saw Neymar carry the hopes of a nation. He scored four goals in the tournament and delivered impressive performances before suffering a fractured vertebra in his spine during the quarter-final victory over Colombia. This devastating injury ruled him out of Brazil’s infamous 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany.
In Russia 2018, Neymar returned from injury but couldn’t prevent Brazil’s quarter-final exit to Belgium. The 2022 Qatar World Cup also ended in disappointment with another quarter-final elimination, this time to Croatia on penalties after Neymar had scored a brilliant goal in extra time.
Making History with Brazil
Neymar has already secured his place in Brazilian football history by becoming the national team’s all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing the legendary Pelé. This remarkable achievement came with his 78th and 79th goals in his 125th appearance for Brazil.
In the 2014 World Cup, Neymar won the Bronze Boot and was named in the All-Star XI, recognizing his outstanding contributions despite Brazil’s ultimately disappointing campaign. His technical ability, creativity, and goal-scoring prowess have made him one of the most feared forwards in international football over the past decade.
However, the ultimate prize has eluded him and Brazil since 2002. This lack of World Cup success represents a significant gap in Neymar’s otherwise illustrious career, especially compared to contemporaries like Lionel Messi, who finally achieved World Cup glory in 2022.
The 2026 tournament therefore represents Neymar’s final opportunity to join the pantheon of Brazilian legends who have lifted football’s most coveted trophy.
Factors That Will Determine Neymar’s 2026 Participation
Physical Condition and Injury Management
The most crucial factor for Neymar’s 2026 World Cup participation is undoubtedly his physical condition. For him to feature prominently, he needs to complete a full recovery from his recent injuries and then maintain fitness over the next year and a half leading up to the tournament.
This challenge becomes more difficult as players age, with recovery times typically extending and injury susceptibility increasing. Neymar will need excellent medical support and possibly a modified training regimen to ensure his body can handle the demands of top-level football through 2026.
His focus on proper rehabilitation seems appropriate. Neymar has emphasized that his priority is to “recover well, develop physically, and get back to playing.” This patient approach acknowledges the severity of his injuries and the time required to return to his best form.
Performance Level and Competition for Places
Beyond fitness, Neymar’s performance level will determine his role in the 2026 World Cup. Brazil has historically produced exceptional attacking talent, and competition for places in forward positions remains fierce.
At his peak, Neymar was undoubtedly one of the world’s most feared attackers. However, his recent lack of consistent playing time makes it difficult to assess his current capabilities. The coming year will be vital in demonstrating whether he can recapture the form that made him Brazil’s talisman.
Neymar has acknowledged this challenge, stating he needs time to “return to my level and show why I am here.” This indicates his awareness that reputation alone won’t guarantee him a place in the World Cup squad—he must earn it through performances.
Coaching Decisions and Team Strategy
The Brazilian national team’s coaching staff will ultimately decide Neymar’s role in the 2026 World Cup. They must balance respecting his legendary status with making pragmatic choices to give the team the best chance of success.
If Neymar can regain fitness and form, his inclusion seems likely given his experience and status as Brazil’s record goalscorer. However, his role might evolve from being the focal point of the attack to a more supportive position, depending on his physical capabilities and the emergence of other Brazilian talents.
His versatility could be an asset in this regard. Throughout his career, Neymar has demonstrated the ability to play across the front line and in different tactical systems, which could help him adapt to a potentially different role by 2026.
Neymar’s Future Plans Leading to 2026
Short-Term Career Decisions
Neymar’s reported move back to Santos in early 2025 suggests a desire to find regular playing time in a familiar environment conducive to rebuilding his form and fitness. The initial six-month contract leaves his longer-term future open to possibilities.
Neymar himself has noted it’s “too soon to speak” about extending his deal until the 2026 World Cup, though this remains a possibility if the arrangement proves beneficial. His primary focus appears to be regaining match fitness and enjoying his football again after a frustrating period in Saudi Arabia.
The striker has also expressed interest in potentially joining Inter Miami before the 2026 World Cup. Such a move would reunite him with former Barcelona teammates Messi and Suarez, and position him in North America ahead of the tournament—potentially offering both competitive football and practical advantages during the competition.
Focus on National Team Ambitions
Regardless of his club situation, Neymar has made it clear that representing Brazil at the 2026 World Cup remains a primary goal. His decision-making increasingly appears influenced by what will best prepare him for this final international tournament.
This focus explains his willingness to leave Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal despite his lucrative contract, prioritizing happiness and playing time over financial considerations. As Neymar put it, “Some decisions are not about soccer logic.” His emotional attachment to playing for Brazil one final time on the world stage seems to be driving many of his career choices.
This dedication may prove crucial in overcoming the physical and performance challenges he faces. Neymar’s determination is perhaps best captured in his statement: “I am going after this trophy in any way I can.” This fighting spirit will be essential as he navigates the path to North America 2026.
FAQs
1. How old will Neymar be during the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Neymar will be 34 years old during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which he believes is still an appropriate age to compete at the highest level.
2. Has Neymar confirmed his participation in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, Neymar has explicitly stated his intention to play in the 2026 World Cup, calling it his “last shot” and “last chance” to win the tournament with Brazil.
3. What major injury has affected Neymar’s recent career?
Neymar suffered a serious ACL injury to his left knee in October 2023 during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, which required surgery and kept him sidelined for approximately one year.
4. How many World Cups has Neymar played in so far?
Neymar has played in three FIFA World Cups: 2014 (Brazil), 2018 (Russia), and 2022 (Qatar).
5. What is Brazil’s current position in World Cup qualifying?
As of early 2025, Brazil is in fifth position in the South American qualifying group after completing 12 of the 18 qualification rounds, which would still qualify them for the 2026 World Cup.
6. Which club is Neymar currently playing for?
As of early 2025, reports indicate Neymar has returned to his boyhood club Santos after leaving Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.
7. Has Neymar ever won a World Cup with Brazil?
No, Neymar has never won a World Cup with Brazil. The team’s last World Cup victory was in 2002, before Neymar’s international career began.
8. What is Neymar’s best World Cup performance to date?
Neymar’s best World Cup performance came in 2014 when Brazil hosted the tournament. He scored four goals and won the Bronze Boot before being injured in the quarter-final.
9. Could Neymar join Inter Miami before the 2026 World Cup?
Neymar has not ruled out the possibility of joining Inter Miami, where he could reunite with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
10. Is Neymar Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer?
Yes, Neymar has surpassed Pelé to become Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with his 78th and 79th goals in his 125th appearance for the national team.
