Is Neymar playing at World Cup 2026?

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Brazil's all-time leading goal scorer Neymar is hoping to make World Cup history.

The World Cup offers Neymar a chance to become only the fourth Brazil player to play in four editions of the tournament for his country and in direct succession.

Now 34, he is again plying his trade with boyhood club Santos after a whirlwind career since becoming the world's most expensive transfer in summer 2017.

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Will Neymar play for Brazil at World Cup 2026?

Neymar's renewed World Cup involvement raised eyebrows due to a three-year hiatus from international duty with Brazil as a result of persistent injury problems.

The winger burst onto the scene during the 2014 tournament in his homeland with four goals in five games before being stretchered off during the quarter-final stage.

He helped the Selecao to a further two last-eight appearances in the next eight years before eclipsing Pele's record as their leading all-time men's goal scorer.

However Neymar has struggled with fitness issues which made his inclusion by Carlo Ancelotti in Brazil's 26-man squad for the World Cup all the more surprising.

A calf issue prevented the former Barcelona man from any involvement in his country's opening two group games in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

He belatedly received a runout for Brazil's final Group C outing against Scotland in what was a first appearance on the international stage since October 2023.

However Neymar found himself restricted to a 15-minute cameo at Miami Stadium with his homeland already three goals to the good by that late stage of the game.

Neymar has already billed this World Cup as his 'Last Dance' on social media, confirming that he will not make history as Brazil's first-ever five-time participant.

He will hoping that final hurrah can help end a 24-year wait to be crowned world champions again.