Brazil will once again uphold one of world football’s most enduring records when they step onto the global stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. As the only nation to have competed in every edition of the tournament since its inception in 1930, the Selecao arrive with a legacy unmatched and expectations that never waver. Yet, beneath the tradition, pride, and unmatched football heritage lies a striking undercurrent — a sense of uncertainty that has rarely surrounded the five-time champions with such intensity.
Now under the leadership of veteran Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti — a five-time UEFA Champions League-winning mastermind — Brazil is hoping the decorated tactician can guide them to a long-awaited sixth world title. His appointment was met with intrigue and cautious optimism, but as the tournament draws nearer, questions continue to mount regarding squad selection, tactical identity, and most notably, the future of Neymar, the nation’s defining star of the last decade and a half.
Brazil’s Post-2002 Struggles Cast a Long Shadow
Since lifting the World Cup trophy in 2002 with the iconic trio of Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho, Brazil has faced heartbreak after heartbreak in the knockout stages. Four quarterfinal exits in five tournaments have defined a frustrating era, leaving fans yearning for the ruthless brilliance that once made the Selecao feared worldwide.
Their lone progression beyond that stage came on home soil in 2014, but the hopes and momentum of a dream run abruptly collapsed in one of the most infamous results in football history — the 7-1 demolition by Germany in Belo Horizonte. The trauma of that night still lingers in Brazilian football culture, becoming a symbol of a generation that could not quite deliver when it mattered most.
Across this turbulent period, no player has embodied Brazil’s modern rise, glamour, and shortcomings quite like Neymar. Electric, influential, and often burdened by expectation, he emerged as the face of Brazilian football but has also come to represent its frustrations. His sublime talent has never been questioned, but injuries, pressure, and timing have repeatedly denied him the World Cup moment many believed was destined for him.
Will Neymar Make the 2026 World Cup Squad?
Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, having surpassed Pele’s long-standing record with a brace against Bolivia in September 2023. Yet, only a month later, his career took another hit when he suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay — a setback that halted his national team involvement entirely.
Now 33, Neymar has not worn the Brazil jersey since that night and has been absent from Carlo Ancelotti’s recent squads. The Italian coach has been clear and firm about his selection criteria.
“He has to be 100 percent,” Ancelotti told Esporte Record when questioned about Neymar’s chances of featuring at the 2026 World Cup.
“There are many players who are very good, I need to choose players who are 100 percent. It's not just Neymar; it could be Vinicius. If Vinicius is at 90 percent, I'll call up another player who is at 100 percent, because it's a team that has a very high level of competence, especially up front. Up front, we have really many good players."
This statement underscores one of the biggest themes of the upcoming World Cup cycle — competition for places is fierce, and Ancelotti will not compromise fitness for reputation. With an attacking pool that includes Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, and Raphinha, Neymar's inclusion is no longer guaranteed.
Is Neymar Currently Injured?
Although Neymar has returned to club action, he continues to battle lingering discomfort stemming from the left knee meniscus issue. Reports indicate he may require arthroscopic surgery before the end of 2025, a procedure that could further complicate his World Cup preparation.
Despite this, Neymar has insisted publicly that he is improving.
“I'm feeling better and better,” he said in late November. “This injury is sad, it's annoying. But it's nothing that will stop me from doing anything. That's why I keep playing.”
His determination is unquestionable, but the road to full recovery remains uncertain. Fitness, form, and consistency play crucial roles in Ancelotti’s plans — a reality Neymar will need to confront in the months ahead.
Neymar’s Club Career: A Return to His Roots
Following an injury-plagued stint with Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal, Neymar made a sentimental return to Santos — the club where his journey to global superstardom began. The January 2025 homecoming marked a full-circle moment for the forward, providing both a familiar environment and an opportunity for consistent game time.
His influence was quickly felt. On November 28, Neymar scored in Santos’ vital 3-0 win over Sport, a result that lifted the club out of the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A relegation zone on goal difference with two matches remaining. For Santos, a Neymar-inspired survival push is invaluable. For Neymar, playing regular football in Brazil may be the key to securing his place at the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar’s World Cup Legacy So Far
Across three World Cups, Neymar has been instrumental, influential, and at times, heartbreaking to watch. At Brazil 2014, he was the team’s shining light until a back injury ended his tournament prematurely. In Russia 2018, he battled fitness issues yet still contributed goals and assists. In Qatar 2022, he delivered one of the most memorable goals of the tournament against Croatia, only to be left devastated by another penalty shootout exit.
In total, he has scored eight goals in 13 World Cup appearances — a record that places him firmly among the elite performers in the tournament’s modern era.
