Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in a World Cup qualifier against Argentina in October 2023. He has not returned to the national team since then. He was supposed to return in the June FIFA window, but coach Carlo Ancelotti did not keep him. He explained that he was still not fully fit. Finally, Neymar is going to return to the national team after 22 months!
In a report, Brazilian media outlet O Globo reported that coach Carlo Ancelotti has included Santos striker Neymar in his extensive list, which will be sent to FIFA by the CBF (Brazilian Football Federation). The 33-year-old star is currently in good form in the club’s jersey. Neymar is likely to be in the official squad announcement of the Brazil national team on August 25.
Brazil has secured the 2026 World Cup by finishing third in the CONMEBOL qualifying points table. They have 25 points from 16 matches. Ecuador is second with the same number of matches and points, and Argentina is at the top with 35 points. The remaining two rounds of matches in September will conclude the Latin World Cup qualifiers. Brazil will face Chile in Rio de Janeiro on September 5 and Bolivia in the final match on September 10.
Scaloni will announce the Selecao squad for those two matches on August 25. Brazil has already played two qualifiers under him. In those matches held last June, Vinicius-Rafinia won 1-0 against Paraguay and a goalless draw with Ecuador. The last two matches showed that experienced and reliable stars will take their place in Ancelotti’s Brazil chapter. The Italian mastermind will not miss out on a star like Neymar if he is fit.
Meanwhile, the five-time world champions have not had a final success in the World Cup since 2002. Even in recent tournaments, they have been disappointed. So Ancelotti’s team wants to prepare for the 2026 World Cup in full swing. In addition to the two qualifying matches, they plan to play six friendlies before the World Cup. Among them, hosts South Korea in Seoul on October 10 and Brazil’s opponents Japan at the Tokyo National Stadium on October 14.
Apart from that, they will play friendly matches in Africa in FIFA’s November window and in Europe in March next year. Although who Brazil’s opponents there are is not yet final. Apart from that, where the matches will be held depends on the commercial agreement of both parties. While the CBF is planning so much about the Brazil team, they have another FIFA window ahead of them. Utilizing that, Brazil can play two more matches in June 2026, just before the World Cup. Before that, the World Cup draw will be held. The CBF’s technical committee will plan the two opponents and venues for the friendly matches in June after looking at the group and opponents there.
FAQ
Why has Neymar been absent from the Brazil national team?
Neymar has been sidelined since October 2023 due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained in a World Cup qualifier against Argentina.
When is Neymar expected to rejoin the national team?
He is expected to be included in Brazil’s squad announcement on August 25, 2025, ahead of the September World Cup qualifiers.
Who is the current Brazil coach calling Neymar back?
Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil’s national team coach, has included Neymar in his extensive squad list.
Which matches will Neymar likely play first upon his return?
Brazil will face Chile on September 5 in Rio de Janeiro and Bolivia on September 10 in the final qualifier match.
How is Neymar performing at the club level?
Neymar has been in good form for his club Santos, showing he is fit and ready to return to international football.
