2026 World Cup: Good news for Neymar

Neymar can already rest assured about one thing. If he stays injury-free, he is expected to be part of Brazil’s squad for the next World Cup in the United States. Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, sent him an encouraging message.

Recently appointed as the manager of the Brazilian national team, Carlo Ancelotti stated that he is counting on Neymar Jr for the 2026 World Cup. However, the 33-year-old forward has struggled to string together appearances due to recurring injuries. “He needs to prepare well, and he has time to do so,” said the Italian coach in an interview published Thursday by the South American football confederation on social media. “He is a very important player for us looking ahead to the World Cup,” he emphasized.

For his part, Neymar extended his contract with Santos—the club where he began his career—until the end of the year, returning there at the end of January. Just as during his spells at Paris Saint-Germain (2017-2023) and at Saudi club Al-Hilal, where he played only seven matches in 17 months, this homecoming has also been hampered by physical issues.

He has played just 12 matches across all competitions in five months with Santos, tallying three goals and three assists in the São Paulo state championship. In the national league, the number 10 has appeared in only four of his team’s eleven matches, with Santos currently sitting fifteenth in the table, level on points with the first team in the relegation zone.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.