Brazil’s Neymar says FIFA World Cup 2026 will be his last

“I have a lot of faith in the team, in the players who are emerging, who are young,” he said. “We’re not in a position where we would like to be.

“I think together we can achieve something very big. We have a year, a year-and-a-half to work, to do the right things to reach the World Cup.”

Neymar started Brazil’s first four qualifying games but went off injured at halftime as they lost to Uruguay in October 2023. After knee surgery he was out for a year.

He returned for Al Hilal with two brief appearances in October and November but injured a hamstring and has not played since. He said he is targeting the World Cup.

“I want to be there, I’m going to try to do my best, to work very hard so that I can be with the Brazilian team.”

He will be 34 by the time the competition in the US, Canada and Mexico kicks off.

He could play in the US before then. Al Hilal will appear in the expanded Club World Cup in the US in June where Inter Miami, with Messi and Suarez, will also be competing.

“They are my friends.” said Neymar, who also played with Messi at Paris Saint-Germain. “We still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio.”

“I’m happy in Saudi Arabia, but who knows? Football is full of surprises.

“When the news came out that I was leaving Paris Saint-Germain, the transfer window was closed in the United States, so I didn’t have this option.”