Neymar’s Brazil return raises stakes for a 2026 World Cup full of farewell storylines

Neymar’s much-awaited return to the Brazil football team has turned the 2026 World Cup into a battle of legacies.

Neymar is set to play for Brazil at World Cup, almost three years after his last appearance for the national side. Image: Reuters

FP Sports Desk|May 19, 2026, 11:50:45 IST

Neymar's return to the Brazil World Cup has raised the stakes for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be played across the USA, Canada and Mexico from 11 July. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were the ones getting ready for the 'last dance' at the FIFA World Cup, but now Neymar has joined them.

The announcement of Neymar getting picked for the World Cup by Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti was welcomed by loud cheers. Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023, but his mercurial talent and influence forced Ancelotti to include the 34-year-old in their 26-member squad.

“He has improved his fitness, he will be an important player in this World Cup,” Ancelotti said at a press conference. "He has experience in this kind of competition, the love of our group, he can create a better environment in this group.”

Neymar joins Messi, Ronaldo for one final shot at glory

But if the former Barcelona midfielder manages to maintain the required health standards, the attacking forward has all it takes to light up the stage -- great news for Brazil and FIFA.

Most importantly, an exhilarating news for die-hard passionate fans as it provides a perfect ending to the story of three of the biggest greats of the modern era -- Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar.

While Messi broke the World Cup drought in 2022 at Qatar, Ronaldo and Neymar are still looking for their first World Cup trophy, and that would only make the 2026 edition even more juicy.

By the way, the hallowed trio won't be the only big names who are set to bid goodbye to national football after the World Cup 2026. Some of the other big names who are set for a last audition also include Luka Modrić, Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Virgil van Dijk.

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