Brazil will enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America with the unique distinction of being the only nation to have competed in every edition of the tournament. The five-time champions are aiming to secure a record-extending sixth title under the guidance of veteran Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, a five-time UEFA Champions League winner. Despite their storied history, there is a cautious sense among fans and pundits about Brazil’s ability to return to the pinnacle of world football.
Since their last World Cup triumph in 2002, Brazil has faced disappointment in the knockout stages, losing four out of five quarterfinal matches. The only exception was the 2014 tournament held on home soil, which ended in a crushing 7-1 defeat to Germany in Belo Horizonte—a result that remains a painful memory for Brazilian fans.
At the center of Brazil’s modern era challenges stands superstar forward Neymar, who continues to carry the weight of expectation on his shoulders.
Neymar’s Road to the 2026 World Cup
Neymar is expected to be eager to play in the 2026 World Cup finals. His recent decision to sign a new contract with Santos indicates his determination to prove his value to Ancelotti in the months leading up to the tournament.
The 33-year-old forward is Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer, surpassing the legendary Pelé with a brace against Bolivia in September 2023. However, his momentum was interrupted a month later during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay when he tore his ACL and meniscus in his left knee. Since then, Neymar has not appeared for the national team and has been overlooked for recent squads. Nevertheless, Ancelotti has left the door open for his return, emphasizing that only fully fit players will make the final roster.
Rodrygo’s recent ACL injury in early March could open a potential spot for Neymar in the squad, as Ancelotti loses one of his first-choice attackers. Despite this, Brazil remains well-stocked with talented wide and support attackers, meaning competition for a starting place will be intense.
Neymar’s Current Form and Injury Status
Neymar has returned to club football but continues to face challenges with a lingering meniscus problem in his left knee, which may require arthroscopic surgery according to December 2025 reports. Despite this, he has expressed optimism about his recovery:
"I'm feeling better and better. This injury is sad, it's annoying. But it won't stop me from doing anything. That's why I keep playing," he said in late November.
Santos, his boyhood club, will begin the 2026 Paulista A regional championship on January 10. It is currently uncertain when Neymar will feature in matches, but he has already started making an impact since returning to Santos in January 2025 after a difficult spell at Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal. In November 2025, he scored in a 3-0 victory over Sport, helping lift Santos out of the relegation zone and ending the season in 12th place.
Neymar’s World Cup Legacy
Neymar represented Brazil at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, scoring in the knockout rounds against South Korea and Croatia. Despite a stunning solo goal against Croatia, Brazil was eliminated in a penalty shootout, leaving Neymar disappointed.
Across three World Cups, Neymar has scored eight goals in 13 appearances, underlining his importance to the national team. If he can recover fully and regain form, the 2026 World Cup could offer him one last chance to lift the trophy and cement his place in Brazilian football history.
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