Brazilian forward Neymar has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his last, expressing confidence in Brazil’s qualification despite their struggles in the South American qualifiers, MySportDab Reports.
“I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance, and I will do everything I can to play in it,” the 32-year-old told CNN. Neymar has not featured for Brazil since October 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury during a 2-0 loss to Uruguay.
Brazil currently sit fifth in the CONMEBOL standings after 12 rounds, but with six teams guaranteed a place in the expanded 48-team tournament, they remain in a strong position. “I have a lot of faith in the team and the young players coming through. We have a year and a half to prepare and do things the right way,” Neymar added.
The Al Hilal forward also hinted at a potential reunion with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez at MLS side Inter Miami. “Playing again with Messi and Suárez would be incredible. We still speak to each other. Football is full of surprises,” he said.
Neymar will be 34 when the tournament kicks off in North America, but his immediate focus is on recovering from a hamstring injury.
He aims to return in time to feature for Brazil and could reunite with Messi and Suárez at the FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. this June.