Neymar injury FIFA World Cup 2026: Will the magic neymar play again?

The Neymar injury FIFA World Cup 2026 saga has cast a shadow over Brazil’s golden boy, as Santos president Marcelo Teixeira confirmed on September 29, 2025, that Neymar Jr. will be out until November due to a recurring thigh injury. The 33-year-old forward, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has been plagued by fitness woes, disrupting his uneven 2025 season. With Santos in a relegation battle and the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada less than a year away, the Neymar injury FIFA World Cup 2026 raises serious questions about his participation in Brazil’s title defense.

Neymar Injury FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil Star Sidelined Until November, Raising Doubts

The Neymar injury FIFA World Cup 2026 news broke after Santos’ 2-2 draw with Bragantino on September 28, 2025, where Neymar limped off in the 62nd minute clutching his thigh. Teixeira, speaking to Globo Esporte, revealed the injury’s severity: “Neymar will be shelved until November. It’s a blow, but we’re managing it carefully.” The thigh strain, a recurrence of a June 2025 issue that sidelined him for eight weeks, has limited Neymar to 21 appearances, with six goals and three assists. His influence, once transformative, has been sporadic, with Santos conceding 28 goals in 23 matches.

Neymar’s injury history—missing 20+ games annually since 2018—has drawn criticism, with fans posting, “Neymar’s body is betraying him!” The Neymar injury FIFA World Cup 2026 comes at a critical juncture, as Brazil prepare for World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay on October 10 and Uruguay on October 15, 2025. Coach Dorival Júnior, who called up Neymar for the Venezuela match on September 4, 2025, now faces a dilemma, with Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo stepping up in his absence.

Santos’ Relegation Battle

The Neymar injury FIFA World Cup 2026 exacerbates Santos’ woes in the Brasileirão. Sitting 17th with 22 points from 25 matches, Santos are five points above the relegation zone after the Bragantino draw. Without Neymar, their attack has faltered, scoring just seven goals in his last five absences. Coach Cleber Xavier, under pressure after a 6-0 loss to Vasco da Gama on August 17, 2025, must rally the squad for upcoming fixtures against Flamengo on October 5 and Palmeiras on October 12. Teixeira emphasized, “Neymar’s absence hurts, but we fight on.” The Neymar injury FIFA World Cup 2026 leaves Santos relying on João Schmidt and Gustavo Caballero, who combined for the equalizer against Bragantino.

Santos’ return to the top flight in 2024 after a historic relegation to Serie B in 2023 has been turbulent, with 12 losses in 25 games. The Neymar injury FIFA World Cup 2026 could accelerate their slide, with fans voicing frustration: “We need Neymar back to survive!”

Neymar’s Path to World Cup Fitness

The Neymar injury FIFA World Cup 2026 raises doubts about the forward’s readiness for Brazil’s title defense. With 79 goals in 128 caps, Neymar is indispensable, but his injuries—thigh strains, ankle ligaments, and a 2023 ACL tear—have limited him to 12 starts in 2025. Júnior, who guided Brazil to the 2024 Copa América final, has backed Neymar, saying, “His talent is irreplaceable.” The Neymar injury FIFA World Cup 2026 timeline—return in mid-November—means he could miss three qualifiers, forcing Júnior to lean on Raphinha and Endrick.

Neymar’s recovery plan includes intensive rehab at Santos’ CT Rei Pelé, focusing on strength training and mobility. His 2025 stats—six goals in 21 games—show flashes of brilliance, including a brace against Cruzeiro on August 10, 2025. The Neymar injury FIFA World Cup 2026 setback is a test of resilience, as Neymar aims to surpass Pelé’s legacy and lead Brazil to their sixth World Cup.

Brazil’s World Cup Hopes

The Neymar injury FIFA World Cup 2026 complicates Brazil’s campaign, ranked fourth in CONMEBOL with 22 points from 17 matches. Their 1-0 win over Paraguay on September 10, 2025, secured qualification, but losses to Uruguay and Argentina exposed vulnerabilities. Júnior’s 4-2-3-1, featuring Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães in midfield, relies on Vinícius Jr. (12 goals) and Rodrygo (8) in Neymar’s absence. The Neymar injury FIFA World Cup 2026 could shift focus to young talents like Endrick, who debuted with a goal against Peru on August 20, 2025.

Brazil’s group stage draw for 2026, including matches in Seattle and Los Angeles, awaits, but Neymar’s fitness is key. Fans remain optimistic, with one posting, “Neymar back in November? Brazil’s unstoppable!”

Conclusion: Neymar’s Fight for 2026

The Neymar injury FIFA World Cup 2026 is a major hurdle, sidelining the Brazil star until November and intensifying doubts about his title defense. Santos’ relegation battle adds pressure, but Neymar’s resilience and Brazil’s depth offer hope. As he rehab, can he return to form for the World Cup? Share your thoughts on the Neymar injury FIFA World Cup 2026 below!

Neymar Jr’s competition during his prime was next level 🏆🤯 pic.twitter.com/FgLd7W5Dyl

— OneFootball (@OneFootball) September 29, 2025

FAQs: Neymar Injury FIFA World Cup 2026

When will Neymar return from his injury?
Neymar is sidelined until mid-November 2025 due to a thigh strain.
How has the injury affected Santos?
Santos sit 17th in the Brasileirão with 22 points from 25 matches, five above relegation.
Will Neymar play in Brazil’s October qualifiers?
No, he’ll miss matches against Paraguay and Uruguay, with Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo stepping up.
What is Neymar’s international goal tally?
Neymar has 79 goals in 128 caps, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer.
How does the injury impact Brazil’s World Cup hopes?
Brazil are qualified but rely on depth like Endrick to cover Neymar’s absence.