Brazilian talisman Neymar has revealed he feels like an enthusiastic teenager preparing for his very first tournament as he heads into the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 34-year-old forward, who remains the emotional and tactical anchor of the Seleção, confirmed that this tournament in North America will officially be the final World Cup appearance of his legendary international career.
Despite the massive stakes and the weight of history on his shoulders, the iconic playmaker is approaching the tournament with a rejuvenated mindset.
However, a familiar shadow looms over the superstar’s final dance. Neymar is currently a major fitness concern for Brazil after sustaining a troublesome calf strain during the team’s pre-tournament preparation phase. Team doctors and physical therapists have indicated that the forward is highly unlikely to feature in Brazil’s opening Group C fixture. Behind the scenes at the squad’s training base in the United States, Neymar has been working around the clock on an intensive, isolated rehabilitation program consisting of specialized strength and cardiovascular conditioning.
The Brazilian medical staff and newly appointed head coach Carlo Ancelotti remain highly optimistic about his recovery trajectory. Ancelotti, who made the late call to include the forward in the final 26-man roster, is hopeful of having his star player back on the pitch before the conclusion of the group stage. The caution is understandable given Neymar’s painful history with injuries at major tournaments, most notably the fractured vertebra that cruelly cut short his 2014 home World Cup campaign before the semi-finals.
Reflecting on his journey in an upcoming sports documentary titled Vai, Brasil (Go, Brazil), Neymar expressed a deep sense of gratitude and joy despite the race against time to get fit.
“Even though it’s my fourth World Cup, it’s a different feeling because of everything involved and, obviously, because it’s the final one,” the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star said. “I’m here feeling like a kid, like an 18-year-old going to his first World Cup. I’m going to enjoy every second, every moment, and I hope it will be special.” Brazil is set to open its campaign against Morocco, followed by group stage matches against Haiti and Scotland, as they chase an unprecedented sixth world title.