The biggest question around Brazil’s World Cup plans is simple: will Neymar be on the plane? The answer depends on one final roster decision, and that decision arrives with Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man squad announcement. Neymar’s status has become the main storyline because his fitness, form, and long injury recovery all meet at the same moment.
Why his name is still in the conversation
Neymar made the preliminary 55-man list sent to FIFA, which keeps him eligible for the final cut. That alone does not guarantee anything, but it does mean Brazil has not closed the door. Reports from Brazilian media and transfer insiders have suggested Ancelotti is leaning toward keeping him, especially after recent squad setbacks created more room in attack.
Before the official decision, Neymar also said he felt physically strong and was improving with each match. That matters, because Brazil’s staff is not just looking for talent. They need proof that he can handle tournament intensity across a short, demanding schedule.
The fitness case for and against Neymar
Neymar’s situation is complicated because his skill has never been the issue. The concern is durability. Since his serious knee injury in late 2023, every stage of his recovery has been watched closely. He has also dealt with recurring muscle problems, which kept the doubt alive even after he returned to club action.
- He missed the entire 2024 international calendar.
- His time in Saudi Arabia ended earlier than expected.
- He returned to Santos to rebuild rhythm and confidence.
- He underwent PRP treatment on his knee in April 2026.
That history explains why Brazil has been cautious. A World Cup roster spot is valuable, but it becomes even more sensitive when one player may or may not be able to finish a group-stage run.
How he has looked for Santos
On the pitch, Neymar has offered enough to keep the debate alive. In 2026, he has produced useful attacking numbers for Santos, with reports placing him around six goals and three assists in 13 matches, while other accounts credit him with nine goal contributions. The exact total matters less than the overall picture: when available, he has remained effective.
Still, the real test is not whether he can flash quality in one match. It is whether he can survive three group games in less than two weeks and still be useful if Brazil advances further.
| Factor | What it means for Brazil |
|---|---|
| Preliminary squad inclusion | Keeps Neymar eligible for final selection |
| Current club form | Shows he can still contribute offensively |
| Injury history | Creates risk over tournament workload |
| Senior-player support | May help push him into the final 26 |
Why Ancelotti’s view appears to have shifted
Earlier in the year, Ancelotti made it clear that full fitness was the standard. That sounded like a warning at the time. Since then, however, Brazil’s attacking picture has changed. Injuries to other forwards have opened space, and experienced voices inside the squad have reportedly pushed for Neymar’s inclusion.
That combination matters. Coaches can be strict on principle, but tournament squads are often shaped by available depth. If options shrink, a proven match-winner becomes harder to leave out.
What could work in Neymar’s favor
- Brazil needs creative depth behind the main attackers.
- He can play as a No. 10 or a flexible forward option.
- His experience in major tournaments is unmatched in the group.
- He remains one of Brazil’s most recognizable finishing threats.
What Brazil’s Group C road looks like
Whether Neymar is selected or not, Brazil’s schedule is already set. The team opens against Morocco, then faces Haiti, and closes the group against Scotland. The bracket makes first place important, since winning the group should create a more favorable knockout opponent.
- June 13: Brazil vs. Morocco, MetLife Stadium
- June 19 or 20: Brazil vs. Haiti, Lincoln Financial Field
- June 25 or 26: Scotland vs. Brazil, Hard Rock Stadium
That is why the squad decision is about more than one player. It affects how Brazil balances creativity, pace, and reliability across a tight tournament window.
Why this decision matters so much
Neymar is not just another veteran. He is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer and one of the country’s defining players of the modern era. He has already played in three World Cups, and a fourth appearance would add another major chapter to an already historic international career.
So when fans ask whether Neymar is playing in the World Cup, they are really asking whether Brazil will trust him one more time. The answer comes with the final squad list, and that list will tell the full story.
