Will Neymar miss the 2026 World Cup in the USA? Return delayed again

The big name, Neymar, in the soccer world has been suffering from ongoing injuries for a long period of time; he has not been involved on the pitch for more than a year now. The accident involving an ACL injury in the left knee in Brazil's defeat to Uruguay during the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers was a severe blow to the Brazilian star. His return is now expected to be in November 2024, and this even further creates doubts as to whether Neymar can be ready in time to take part in the forthcoming World Cup, which is due to be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

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The Dilemma

With the Saudi league registration deadline now gone, Al-Hilal's coach Jorge Jesus now has one tough decision to make: include Neymar in the local league roster or not? In all, the Brazilian forward has played five matches for the club and three in the league so far. With his return further delayed, now the coach is thinking of using Neymar only in international competitions, such as the AFC Champions League, until January 2025. That could be a critical decision as Al-Hilal relies a lot on Neymar's presence to maintain competitiveness at the highest level.

It will keep Neymar out for a longer period, in which the Saudi League has invested much, adding other international stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. Moreover, the league is working to establish itself as a global power in soccer, and having big-name players is a key to worldwide attention. Without him, all that destroys part of the global appeal of the league to those who consume the sport via streaming platforms and global broadcasts.

World Cup Qualifiers and 2026 USA, Mexico, and Canada World Cup

Apart from his impact at the club level, an injury to Neymar raises very serious questions over his involvement with Brazil in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers across the USA, Mexico, and Canada. This will be the very first World Cup that is going to feature 48 teams and promises to be huge with involvement from three host countries.

Although there were crucial games against Venezuela and Uruguay in November 2024, Brazil might remain devoid of their talisman. Their head coach, Dorival Júnior, intends to have him for the games, but this again may be delayed. CBF is monitoring Neymar's progress closely amidst the question mark over his availability.

This is a different World Cup for American fans, as the tournament returns to the country for the first time since 1994, with interest in soccer booming, particularly among the younger set. And with Neymar participating, a global star, an additional draw for the USA's ever-growing international soccer audience will be nailed in.