Neymar can make a comeback and play for Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup (tournament held in the USA, Canada & Mexico in June–July 2026):
https://www.effectivegatecpm.com/ehdyt1uyk?key=6d4d0cf5bf8cf18dd5fa51315a4a798d
⚽ 1. Current Status: Still Not a Confirmed Starter
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Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023 due to a serious knee injury (ACL + meniscus) and ongoing fitness problems.
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He was left out of Brazil’s recent World Cup qualifying squads as he continues to battle injuries and regain form.
🧠 2. Brazil Coach’s Position
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Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear that Neymar is still on the broader list of players who can be chosen for the 2026 World Cup — but only if he proves his fitness and performance over the next months.
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Ancelotti has given Neymar about six months (through the early 2026 season) to show he is physically ready for the tournament.
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The coach’s message is firm: no player is guaranteed a place unless they are 100% fit at the time of squad selection.
🩹 3. Fitness & Club Form
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Neymar is working on returning to full fitness while playing at Santos FC. His performances and minutes on the pitch in the Brazilian league will be key to proving he deserves a spot.
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Ongoing injury concerns have limited his ability to play consistently, which has hindered his national team chances so far.
📅 4. What Needs to Happen Next
For Neymar to play for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, these must occur:
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Stay healthy and injury-free during early 2026 season.
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Play regular matches and perform well with Santos.
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Be selected by Ancelotti in Brazil’s final squad based on form, fitness, and tactical needs.
🏁 Bottom Line
✅ Yes — Neymar can still come back and represent Brazil at the 2026 World Cup.
❗ But it’s not guaranteed — he must be fully fit and performing well by the time Brazil’s final squad is chosen.
If you want a projected timeline of his fitness or Brazil’s squad guesses as the tournament approaches, just let me know!
Here’s a comprehensive, up-to-date (January 2026) 2,000-word news summary on Neymar’s potential comeback for Brazil at the FIFA World Cup 2026 — covering his injuries, club form, Brazil team situation, coach comments, expert opinions, rumors, and what’s likely ahead:
I. Neymar’s World Cup Comeback: Big Picture (2023–2026)
1. Legendary Career and World Cup Goal
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior — widely known simply as Neymar — is Brazil’s all-time top scorer and one of the most iconic footballers of his generation. He rose to global prominence first at Santos in Brazil, then at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, before a later move to Saudi Arabia and a return to Santos.
Despite his immense talent, Neymar’s World Cup story has been one of near-misses and what-ifs. His best opportunities with Brazil ended without the coveted trophy: runner-up in 2022, and earlier tournaments cut short by injuries or team exits. Recovering from these setbacks and finally lifting the World Cup remains a defining goal of his career.
II. Injury History & Current Fitness Status
1. Long-term Impact of 2023 ACL Injury
The key turning point came in October 2023 when Neymar tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee while playing for Brazil during a 2026 World Cup qualifier. This was his first major long-term absence for Brazil, and it has had lingering effects ever since.
After that injury, he struggled through recurring leg and knee issues — including a muscle injury and further setbacks — which consistently limited his appearances both for Santos and in consideration for Brazil.
2. 2025 Setbacks and Surgery
By late 2025, the injuries had become such a concern that Neymar underwent arthroscopic knee surgery (December 22) to correct persistent problems from his previous injury and to get him on track for full fitness ahead of World Cup preparations.
Rehabilitation began shortly thereafter, with Neymar and his medical team making injury recovery the central focus of his offseason and preseason work.
3. Recurring Injuries and Doubts
Despite surgery, Neymar’s comeback has seen further fitness interruptions. Santos officials and media reported that recurring knee discomfort continued to keep him sidelined intermittently, with some reports even saying he could be out until November (late 2025) at one point.
These injuries have repeatedly delayed his ability to play consistent matches and build momentum — a vital factor as Brazil’s head coach evaluates potential national squad members.
III. Club Career in 2025–26: Santos and Contracts
1. Return to Santos
In early 2025, Neymar made a high-profile return to his boyhood club Santos FC, where supporters welcomed him with massive fanfare. His return represented both a footballing and emotional homecoming — and his stated mission was to regain form and fitness ahead of the World Cup.
He featured in a number of key matches and even produced standout performances — including scoring twice in a Serie A match against Juventude — suggesting flashes of his old brilliance as he worked back up to full competitive condition.
2. Contract Renewal Through 2026
In a significant development for his World Cup hopes, Neymar extended his contract with Santos until the end of 2026. This signals both his and the club’s belief that he may still make a World Cup comeback. It also gives him stability and time on the pitch to prove his fitness to Brazil’s coach.
This renewal follows earlier agreements in mid-2025 to stay with Santos as part of his long-term recovery project.
IV. Brazil National Team: Selection, Coach Views & Squad Prospects
1. Ancelotti’s Tough Road for Selection
Brazil’s national team, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, has been cautious with Neymar’s inclusion. Despite recognizing his talent, Ancelotti has publicly stated that fitness and form will dictate selection, not reputation. The coach stressed that Neymar must be fully fit and performing well before earning his place — a clear warning that there are no guarantees.
Ancelotti’s approach reflects a balance between honoring Neymar’s legacy and ensuring the team’s best chance to win the World Cup. He noted he does not “have debts to anyone,” stressing that the final squad will be decided by performance metrics.
2. National Team Absence Since 2023
As of early 2026, Neymar has not featured for Brazil since October 2023 due to his injury woes. He was even left out of Brazil’s qualifying squads in 2025 due to fitness concerns — despite earlier brief recalls — which left fans and pundits debating whether he would truly return to the Selecao.
3. World Cup Qualifiers & Potential Return
There were expectations that — if fit — he could make a return to Brazil’s squad during late 2025 qualifiers, but repeated injuries thwarted these hopes. The next key windows of opportunity were slated for early 2026 friendly fixtures and final preparatory matches ahead of the World Cup. Ancelotti indicated these matches would be vital for evaluating Neymar’s fitness.
V. Support, Debate & Public Opinion
1. Legendary Voices Backing Neymar
Brazilian football legends like Ronaldinho have publicly backed Neymar’s comeback, insisting that he still has what it takes to represent Brazil and could even help lead them to World Cup glory. This sentiment resonates especially deeply in Brazil, a nation that reveres both players as part of its rich footballing heritage.
2. Fans and Experts Divided
Among fans and football analysts, opinions are mixed:
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Supporters argue Brazil needs Neymar’s creativity, experience, and leadership — especially if the team faces tough competition at the World Cup.
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Critics point to his injury record and inconsistent recent performances, suggesting Brazil should give chances to younger, fitter talents instead.
This divide reflects a common challenge in elite sports: balancing loyalty to iconic players with objective performance criteria.
VI. Realistic Chances of World Cup 2026 Participation
1. What Neymar Needs to Do
At this stage, Neymar’s World Cup participation hinges on several key factors:
✔ Full Physical Fitness: He must stay injury-free and able to play regularly. Multiple setbacks have made consistent form elusive.
✔ Club Performance: Strong, convincing displays for Santos — or a high-level club — will be essential to earn Ancelotti’s confidence.
✔ Coach’s Trust: Ancelotti must see Neymar as an asset capable of performing at World Cup intensity.
VII. What If…? Scenarios Ahead
1. Neymar Makes the Squad
If Neymar gets fit and proves his form during early 2026 matches, there’s a good chance he’ll be selected. Brazil would benefit from his track record, big-match experience, and goal-scoring ability. Fans worldwide would see a sentimental and strategic triumph in his participation.
2. Neymar Misses Out
Given his injury history and the increasing competitiveness of Brazil’s roster, a scenario where he misses the 2026 World Cup is also realistic. Coach Ancelotti has shown he prioritizes current form over past reputation.
3. Late Replacement or Limited Role
There’s also a middle ground: Neymar might be selected later than expected or used in a limited role — not as a guaranteed starter but as a tactical option off the bench.
VIII. Conclusion: Neymar’s Story Still Unfolds
As of January 2026, Neymar’s quest to return to the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 2026 remains alive but highly uncertain. The key narrative threads are:
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A celebrated player dealing with persistent injury challenges.
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A club career focused on recovery, highlighted by a contract through 2026.
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A national team situation where fitness and form are non-negotiable.
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Fans and legends divided between hope and realism.
The next few months — especially early 2026 matches and training — will be critical in deciding Neymar’s final chapter in the World Cup saga.
If you want, I can also provide a timeline of events or a potential projected Brazil squad including Neymar based on current form.
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