Exploring Neymar’s Surprising Decision to Join Brazil’s World Cup 2026 Qualifiers After Announcing National Team Exit

Brazilian superstar Neymar had previously stated that the 2022 World Cup would be his last, citing that he no longer had the physical stamina to continue playing at the highest level.

Neymar’s unexpected announcement came just before Brazil’s qualifier against Colombia in the 2022 World Cup South American qualifiers (October 11, VN time). “I think it will be my last World Cup.

I will play it as if it were my last match because I don’t know if I have the mental strength to continue with football,” the 29-year-old star forward told DAZN.

Following the conclusion of the 2022 World Cup, Lionel Messi also expressed his desire to take a break from the national team to spend time with his family.

Now, after Messi’s hiatus from international play, Neymar has confirmed the possibility of participating in the 2026 World Cup.

Despite being sidelined by injuries and missing Brazil’s victory in the 2019 Copa America, Neymar has only added a Confederations Cup win in 2013 and a gold medal in the 2016 Olympics to his international honors. Following Brazil’s disappointment in the 2022 World Cup, he once again missed out on a major international title with the national team.

At the age of 31, Neymar is approaching the later stages of his career. Many believed that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar would be his last appearance on the world stage. However, Neymar has never wavered in his ambition to win major trophies with the Brazilian national team.

In an interview with BandSports, the PSG superstar confirmed that he plans to participate in the 2024 Copa America and, even further down the line, compete in the 2026 World Cup. By that time, Neymar will be 34 years old, but he believes he will still have the dedication to contribute to the national team.

This decision was greatly influenced by Messi’s magical journey with the Argentine national team in the 2022 World Cup. Messi’s triumph served as inspiration for Neymar’s determination to achieve glory with Brazil.

Neymar’s teammates on the Brazilian national team also welcomed his participation in the upcoming World Cup set to be held in North America in three years. Defender Marquinhos expressed his confidence, stating, “I believe 100% that Neymar can contribute a lot to the team. It would be fantastic if he were part of the squad for the next World Cup. By then, he will still be at an appropriate age for the 2026 World Cup.”

With a promising outlook for the Brazilian national team in the next three years, featuring young stars like Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Eder Militao, and Vitor Roque, coupled with the anticipated appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as head coach, it is expected that Neymar will continue to be the heart of the team.

True to the expectations of fans, Neymar joined his teammates yesterday to prepare for the World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Brazil, led by Neymar, is set to face Bolivia in the qualifiers.

Let’s watch and cheer for him!