Neymar Ruled Out Of 2026 World Cup? Santos Star Sidelined for ‘Medical Issue’

Santos FC star Neymar Jr will not be featuring for his side against Deportivo Cuenca in the upcoming Copa Sudamericana Group D game. According to comments made by club head coach Cuca, the 34-year-old is out with a medical issue after carrying out a procedure on his knee and was unable to join team training for the past 4-5 days.

The injury setback has casted fresh doubts on his status and fitness availability for the Brazil National football team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The new Neymar injury will not be a pleasant news for the Selecao head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who will be announcing soon his final 26-man squad for the 2026 edition of the apex competition in world football scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico in June.

Is Neymar Doomed To Miss Out?

The injury problems and inability to stay fit for long spells in the season will be an offputting trend for Ancelotti and might force him to look elsewhere for reliable options. The former Barcelona man has already endured 3 injury spells on the sidelines since the start of the season, despite contributing five goals and give assists in eight games in 2026.

Having already missed 6 games in the Brazilian Serie A, the latest injury is gonna be devastating for Neymar and his adoring fans across the world. A fairy tale end will not be on the cards for one of the best dribblers in football history, Neymar.

How Has Neymar Performed For Brazil In The Past?

The former 2016 Rio Olympics Gold medalist is the all-time top scorer for Brazil with 79 goals in 128 caps for the Selecao. He is also the second highest appearance maker of all time for the South American nation, behind one of the greatest brazilian footballers of all time, Cafu. Neymar has helped Brazil win the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and also to a Copa America runners-up medal in 2021.