Neymar jr world cup: Neymar Jr. World Cup Prospects in 2026 Under Scrutiny

By Rohan Mehta / 03.04.2026

Key moments

Neymar Jr.’s future with the Brazil National Team for the upcoming 2026 World Cup is increasingly uncertain as he was left off the roster for recent friendlies against France and Croatia. The World Cup is set to begin on June 13, 2026, at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, and the final roster announcement is scheduled for May 18, 2026.

Coach Carlos Ancelotti has confirmed that Danilo Luiz da Silva will be part of the final 26-man roster, which raises questions about Neymar’s inclusion. Neymar has not played for the Brazilian national team since October 17, 2023, due to a serious knee injury, which has severely impacted his chances of being selected.

Since returning to Santos FC, Neymar has managed to score three goals and provide two assists in five matches. However, he missed a crucial match against Mirassol, which disappointed Brazil’s coaching staff and has led to speculation about his fitness and readiness for the World Cup.

Brazil has been placed in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland for the tournament. Neymar’s performance in the upcoming match against Flamengo on April 5 is viewed as essential for his chances of being selected for the World Cup. This match could be a pivotal moment for the forward, as he seeks to prove his fitness and form.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding Neymar’s potential call-up, with many considering it unlikely given his recent injury history. Ancelotti stated, “I will only include the former FC Barcelona player if he is fully fit and doesn’t face any injury problems before the squad call-up.” This statement underscores the importance of Neymar’s health in determining his World Cup prospects.

As the World Cup approaches, the Brazilian coaching staff is closely monitoring Neymar’s recovery and performance. The final decision on his inclusion in the squad remains pending, adding to the uncertainty surrounding one of football’s most prominent figures.

In summary, Neymar Jr.’s participation in the 2026 World Cup is at a crossroads, with injury issues and recent performances raising significant questions about his future with the national team. The upcoming matches will be critical in shaping his chances of making the final roster.