Will Neymar participate in the 2026 World Cup?

Neymar, the Brazilian national team and Santos star, has suffered another setback, bringing him closer to missing the World Cup scheduled for next year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The player missed his team's match against Internacional in the Brazilian league, which ended in a 1-1 draw, due to knee problems. Medical tests revealed a torn meniscus, which will sideline him for the remaining three matches of the season . Since tearing his cruciate ligament in October 2023, which kept him out of action for a full year, Neymar has struggled to regain his previous form, as physical injuries recur periodically. Since returning to his original club, Santos, at the beginning of the year, he has been forced to miss three matches due to thigh muscle injuries, resulting in 15 absences. He also had to withdraw from the Brazilian national team last March after more than a year and a half of absence due to the same injury . The Brazilian national team is preparing for only two friendly matches in March before announcing its final World Cup squad. Neymar's participation at the start of the new season, which kicks off in mid-January with the São Paulo State Championship, remains uncertain. National team coach Carlo Ancelotti explained that Neymar is still among the players considered for the World Cup, emphasizing the need to monitor his physical condition to ensure his readiness when selecting the final squad . On the sporting front, Neymar's performances with Santos have raised some questions. He has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 25 matches across all competitions, including only four goals in 17 Brazilian league games, as the team struggles to avoid relegation. With three rounds remaining, Santos is just one point away from safety, but has won only one of its last eight matches. Neymar will be unavailable for two crucial encounters against direct rivals in the standings . Regarding his future with the club, Neymar's contract expires at the end of the year, and renewal remains out of the question given the current situation. His salary also represents a significant financial burden for the club. Reports indicate that the player's sporting value has not lived up to expectations, necessitating a cost-benefit analysis. Neymar's salary is equivalent to that of five starting players, with the club's costs, including image rights, reaching approximately €5.8 million. The financial review committee confirmed that the player's salary significantly alters the club's financial balance, requiring management to take measures to ensure the budget is not exceeded . Neymar's future is expected to be decided after the season ends. If Santos is relegated to the second division again, it will be unlikely that the player will remain at his original club due to the substantial drop in revenue, potentially prompting him to seek a new club that guarantees him immediate inclusion in the Brazilian national team. However, if Santos maintains its place in the first division, there will be an opportunity to renew his contract, possibly with a salary reduction.