Neymar's World Cup 2026 Comeback Hopes Lift Brazil as Marquinhos Supports a Return

Neymar's World Cup 2026 comeback hopes get a boost amid Brazil's squad absence

Brazil's star Neymar, sidelined since October 2023 with a serious injury, has received a strong morale boost as he pushes to be fit for World Cup 2026, despite being left out of the latest Seleção squad announced by Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Since his injury, Neymar has not appeared for Santos, and the latest list did not include him. Yet captain Marquinhos, the Paris Saint-Germain defender, stressed that the forward still holds a golden chance to feature in the final Brazil squad for a tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Marquinhos backs Neymar and the push to return

In remarks relayed by Fut Mercato, Marquinhos expressed unwavering belief in Neymar's desire to regain full fitness and insisted that Brazilians, teammates and fans alike want to see him at the World Cup.

Marquinhos, who has shared the field with Neymar 202 times across club and country, recalled how difficult it was to face him on a training pitch—if you close one side, he goes the other, and if you think you’ve closed the other, he improvises a new move and escapes. He always managed to dazzle before.

The timing, the hope, and the looming final selection

The defender's praise comes at a delicate moment for Neymar, who hopes his physical condition will be a passport to the final list, especially with Ancelotti's decisions looming for a World Cup that Brazil will attempt to claim again at the global stage.

As Brazil chases glory, Neymar's presence—even if not guaranteed as a starter—would bring a heavy technical and psychological load to the team, which is aiming to recapture the world title. Ancelotti's next squad announcement will be watched closely by fans and foes alike.

Humor: If Neymar's comeback goes as smoothly as his dribbles, the World Cup will need a slow-motion reel. And if he scores, the net might file a restraining order against gravity.