Neymar reveals doubts about his presence at this year’s World Cup.

The anticipation surrounding the call-up of the Brazilian National Team for the 2026 World Cup reaches a peak as coach Carlo Ancelotti prepares to announce the list of players who will face France and Croatia in two friendly matches in the United States. However, a central figure, Neymar, the all-time leading scorer for Brazil, finds himself in a dilemma that could shape the future of his international career.

Following a lackluster performance in the match between Santos and Corinthians, doubts about Neymar’s inclusion in the squad persist. Despite having played, his below-par performance raises questions about his physical condition, especially considering that Ancelotti has made it clear he will only take players who are in top physical shape for the tournament to be held on North American, Mexican, and Canadian soil.

Neymar, who suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in October 2023, underwent another knee surgery in December and has since struggled to regain his place. This year, he has participated in fewer than ten matches for Santos, yet he has still managed to show flashes of his talent, igniting hope among many fans.

“I am working to come back, obviously. I want to return to the national team and play in the World Cup, but that doesn’t depend on me. Whether I’m there or not, I will always be cheering for Brazil,” declared Neymar after the match, showing a mix of determination and resignation. His words echo the passion he has for the national team, even in times of uncertainty.

During the match, the Brazilian star did not hesitate to criticize the conditions of the pitch at Vila Belmiro, which he deemed inadequate for a classic match. “We had everything to play a much better game. It’s something that we players have no control over, but the directors do. On a classic match day, they cannot let the watering system break down and allow a game like this to be slow; it’s bad for us. I spoke with all of them. The responsibility is theirs to take care of the field. That’s not an excuse for us playing poorly, but it disrupts the spectacle,” he stated, making it clear that the lack of conditions also influences performance on the field.

As the call-up approaches, the pressure on Neymar increases, not only to prove he is ready for the challenge but also to keep alive the hopes of millions of Brazilian fans who are eagerly awaiting his recovery and return to the national team. Neymar’s story with the Brazilian National Team is far from having a defined conclusion, and the coming days could be crucial for his future in the World Cup.