Will Neymar Make It to World Cup 2026? Fitness Concerns Cast Doubt on Brazilian Legend's Tournament Hopes

Neymar has long been celebrated as the torchbearer of Brazil's beautiful game tradition. However, it's been more than a year since the Brazilian icon displayed the form that made him a global superstar. While it's hard to imagine a World Cup without Neymar's flair and creativity, his physical condition may ultimately determine whether he graces the 2026 tournament.

The upcoming World Cup already carries an air of nostalgia. Football fans worldwide are preparing to say goodbye to icons like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in national team colours for what will likely be the last time. Veterans such as James Rodriguez and Guillermo Ochoa are also nearing the end of their international careers. Neymar's name could join this list of departing legends, though his participation remains questionable due to persistent fitness struggles.

Following his return from surgery, Neymar recently completed his second appearance for Santos. There are encouraging signs - he ran more than nine kilometres during the match, ranking third among Santos players for distance covered. This suggests he's building momentum in his recovery process.

However, caution is warranted. The 32-year-old remains well below his peak physical condition, and his current fitness level may not meet the standards required for selection to Brazil's highly competitive national squad. The demanding Brasileirao schedule presents additional challenges as he attempts to regain match sharpness.

Ancelotti Takes Cautious Approach with Superstar's Return

Brazilian national team manager Carlo Ancelotti opted not to include Neymar in the squad for March friendlies against France and Croatia, scheduled to take place in the United States. This decision reflects strategic thinking rather than any displeasure with the player. Recurring knee and ankle problems have severely limited his availability, with his most recent Brazil appearance dating back to October 2023.

The Brazilian Football Confederation is monitoring his rehabilitation closely. Their strategy involves allowing Neymar sufficient time to rebuild his conditioning before conducting a comprehensive assessment in May. That evaluation will determine whether he's capable of competing at World Cup intensity. The organization's sights are firmly set on June 2026, prioritizing long-term readiness over short-term returns.

Implications for Brazil's Championship Aspirations

Brazil's technical staff harbours no doubts about Neymar's value when healthy. His skill set and leadership qualities remain unquestioned. The sole concern centres on whether his body can withstand the physical demands of elite international competition. For those considering wagers on Brazil's World Cup campaign, tracking Neymar's fitness progress over the coming months will be essential.

A fully fit Neymar transforms Brazil's offensive capabilities. While the Seleção possesses other gifted attackers, none bring the same combination of match-winning ability and major tournament experience. Whether Neymar takes the pitch or watches from the sidelines could significantly influence Brazil's chances of capturing a sixth World Cup championship.