Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, widely regarded as one of the finest football talents of his generation, has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his last. At 32, the Brazilian forward expressed his determination to give it all for his national team in what he called his “final shot” at World Cup glory. Speaking to CNN, Neymar reflected on his career, his future, and his unwavering ambition to bring home the coveted trophy for Brazil, a nation whose footballing legacy he holds close to heart.
Brazil, despite its historic dominance, has faced challenges in the South American World Cup qualifiers. Currently sitting fifth in the group standings, the Seleção is not in its usual commanding position. Yet, Neymar remains optimistic, emphasizing the team’s potential and the emergence of young talent. “I have a lot of faith in the team. Together, we can achieve something very big,” he remarked. With a year and a half to prepare, Neymar believes that Brazil can rise to the occasion and reclaim its status as a footballing powerhouse.
🚨🇧🇷 Neymar on World Cup 2026: “Of course I plan to be there! For sure”.
“I will try doing my best to win with Brazil. I want to be there, I trust our team”, told CNN. pic.twitter.com/RXHXpVrjlf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 7, 2025
Neymar’s journey to the 2026 World Cup has been fraught with injuries. After a serious knee injury in October 2023 sidelined him for a year, the forward returned to action briefly with his Saudi club, Al Hilal, only to suffer a hamstring injury soon after. Despite these setbacks, Neymar remains committed to his recovery and his place in the Brazilian squad. “I want to be there. I’m going to try to do my best, to work very hard,” he affirmed, signaling his dedication to end his international career on a high note.
The World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will see Neymar competing at 34, an age when most players start considering retirement. His inclusion in Brazil’s squad will not only bring his signature flair to the tournament but also symbolize his lasting contribution to the sport. Neymar has hinted that before the World Cup, he might even play in the United States, as Al Hilal is set to compete in the expanded Club World Cup in June 2025.
The prospect of a reunion with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami adds an intriguing subplot to Neymar’s final chapter. While happy with his current stint in Saudi Arabia, Neymar didn’t rule out the possibility of joining his old friends in Major League Soccer. “They are my friends. It would be interesting to revive this trio,” Neymar mused, hinting at the nostalgia and camaraderie that made their partnership legendary at Barcelona.
Neymar’s career has been one of immense talent, controversy, and unfulfilled World Cup dreams. As Brazil’s talisman, he has shouldered the hopes of a football-obsessed nation. The 2026 World Cup represents a chance for redemption, not only for Neymar but also for Brazil, which has not won the tournament since 2002.
As the world prepares for the spectacle in North America, Neymar’s commitment to his team and his dream will undoubtedly captivate fans worldwide. Yet, the question lingers: will this be the tournament where Neymar finally cements his legacy among football’s greatest, or will it mark the end of a career filled with near-misses on the sport’s grandest stage?