The possibility of one final Neymar World Cup run is officially becoming real.
According to reports, Neymar has been included in Brazil’s preliminary squad pool ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Carlo Ancelotti continues evaluating his final roster.
And honestly, soccer fans everywhere want this to happen.
For all the criticism Neymar has received throughout his career, the World Cup simply feels different when he is involved. Brazil’s all-time leading scorer has not played for the national team since suffering a devastating knee injury back in 2023, and injuries have constantly threatened what could be the final chapter of his international career.
But now there is real hope again.
Even Lionel Messi recently publicly supported Neymar’s inclusion in Brazil’s squad, saying football is better when Neymar is on the sport’s biggest stage.
And he is right.
The 2026 World Cup already has the potential to be legendary. Messi likely playing his final World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo chasing one last shot at history. Mbappé trying to dominate another tournament. Haaland finally making his World Cup debut. Jude Bellingham attempting to bring England glory.
Now imagine adding a healthy Neymar to that list.
Brazil has not won a World Cup since 2002, and despite all their talent over the years, they have repeatedly fallen short in heartbreaking fashion. Neymar has carried that pressure for over a decade. This tournament could realistically be his final opportunity to change his legacy forever.
That is why fans are rooting for this comeback so hard.
Because even people who criticize Neymar know one thing: when he is healthy and confident, he is still one of the most entertaining players the sport has ever seen.
The biggest question now is whether his body can hold up long enough.
If it does, the 2026 World Cup just became even more must-watch.
