Will Neymar Participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia?

It’s a huge question for many Neymar Jr. fans if he will participate in the FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia in 2026. Much news has been circulating, which we will talk about later, that made fans question his participation in the upcoming Saudi World Cup.

It’s normal for Neymar’s fans to worry if they will see their favorite football player in action at the next World Cup or not. That’s why we are here to answer that million-dollar question.

 

Neymar Jr. Joined Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal

It was big news when Neymar Jr. signed a contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal with £86 Million deal. The deal that Neymar Jr. has with Saudi Arabia is a two-year contract. He is the most high-profile player ever to join the Saudi Pro League.

Losing Neymar Jr. was one of the biggest upsets of Paris-Saint Germain after the team let go of Lionel Messi to join the Inter Miami team in the last part of the previous season.

Letting go of Neymar left PSG with a heavy loss after they paid Barcelona £200 Million in 2016 for acquiring Neymar Jr. However, it’s also worth noting that Neymar is a player turning 32 in February next year, and the fee they received from Al-Hilal is worth it. Moreover, with Neymar leaving the team, the PSG can take Neymar’s salary worth £25 Million yearly until 2027.

Regarding technicalities, Neymar Jr. contributed 118 goals for the PSG. The PSG will surely take a hit from losing Neymar Jr. from their team.

Furthermore, Neymar’s departure from PSG affected the team and triggered questions in the public. After Al-Hilal acquired Neymar Jr., will he participate in the next World Cup, which will take place in Saudi Arabia?

 

Brazil summoned Neymar Jr.

After the news of Neymar joining the Saudi Arabia Al-Hilal, he is back with Brazil in the opening of the World Cup qualifiers. The new Brazil coach, Fernando Diniz, summoned Neymar to participate in the first two South American World Cup qualifier rounds.

Although Neymar didn’t participate in Brazil friendlies early this year, he is expected to play on September 8 for Brazil against Bolivia and four days later against Peru. Diniz and Neymar have already discussed this matter with each other, and Brazil’s coach said that Neymar is “very willing” to play for the national team in the qualifiers.

That said, fans are now at the edge of their seat as they wait for the first opening match between Brazil and Bolivia. Currently, Brazil holds a sports betting odds of 1.05 while Bolivia has an odds of 81.00 to win the match.

 

Neymar’s Dream Of Winning The World Cup

Neymar’s participation in the World Cup qualifying round greatly excites the fans. It gives them hope that they will see a lot of Neymar in the 2026 World Cup. The only thing that fans must worry about Neymar joining Al-Hilal is that playing outside the continent could hurt his ability to play at high-level matches ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

But if you ask Neymar, he doesn’t see it that way. He guaranteed his dedication to the Brazil national team and still dreams of winning the World Cup. That’s why he never backs down. Despite Al-Hilal’s acquisition, he is still focused on his dreams.

After all, this tournament could be the last for Neymar, meaning that it could also be his last chance of reaching his dream of winning the World Cup. Neymar is also expected to return to Europe in 2025 and possibly return to his former club, FC Barcelona.

Late last year, Neymar announced that he couldn’t guarantee to play for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. His statement triggers the question of whether he will participate in the next World Cup.

But now that we are nearing the qualifiers of the World Cup and he has shown interest in playing for Brazil, we can stop speculating that his statement late last year still stands. His dreams seem much more important to him than anything else.

Neymar isn’t getting younger. He is already 31 this year and will be 34 during the 2026 World Cup. Although he was still physically fit then, he already hinted that it could be his last.

 

Will Neymar Help Brazil Win The 2026 World Cup?

Neymar is known to be one of the world’s best soccer players. He was named the 2014 and 2015 FIFA World Player of the Year. He already won three Champions League titles while he was with Barcelona. Not to mention that he scored more than 100 goals in his career.

Based on his skills and achievements, it’s safe to assume that he will greatly contribute to helping Brazil win the FIFA World Cup 2026. If it’s indeed his last World Cup, like what he said last year, he will give his all in this tournament. That said, you should watch out for him.

 

To Sum It Up

Even after Neymar Jr. signed a £86 Million contract with Al-Hilal, he stayed committed to the Brazil national team for the upcoming World Cup in Saudi Arabia. Playing for Brazil in the qualifiers is enough proof that you will see a lot of Neymar Jr. in the Saudi Arabia World Cup.

Sources: fanduel.com