By the time the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, Brazilian star Neymar will have reached the age of 34. While confident of his team’s qualifications, the veteran striker is also looking forward to joining them for their final appearance in the prestigious tournament.
In an interview with CNN, Neymar said he will do everything possible to ensure he remains part of the team.
“I know this is my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance. I will do my best to participate,” Neymar said.
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He has not played an international match for over a year.
Brazil’s performance in the South American World Cup qualifiers has so far been below expectations, with them currently in fifth place out of the 10 participating countries after 12 of 18 rounds. At the end, the top six teams qualify for the tournament.
“I have a lot of faith in the team, in the young players that are coming up,” he said. “We are not in the position we would like to be. I think that together we can achieve something very big. We have the power to do the right thing to reach the world. , you have a year or a year and a half’ cup. “
Neymar injured his knee during Brazil’s defeat to Uruguay in October 2023, and underwent surgery that will keep him out for 12 months. He appeared in Brazil’s first four qualifying matches before suffering a setback.
Neymar made a brief comeback with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, making two appearances in October and November, before suffering a hamstring strain. Since then, he has remained inactive.
“I want to participate (in the World Cup). I will do my best and work hard so that I can be part of the Brazil team,” he said.
Neymar also said in the interview that he would not rule out playing alongside former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at American club Inter Miami.
“It would of course be great to play with Messi and Suarez again,” Neymar, who also played with Messi at Paris Saint-Germain, said at a ceremony in Dubai.
“They are my friends. We still talk to each other. It would be interesting to bring this trio back,” he added.
“I’m happy in Saudi Arabia, but you never know. Football is full of surprises.”
The expanded Club World Cup, scheduled for June, will see Al Hilal and Miami host both competitions, meaning he could face Messi and Suarez on American soil.
