Neymar’s World Cup Hopes Dim After Subdued Performance in Santos Draw

SAO PAULO (AP) — Neymar’s preparation for the upcoming World Cup faced another setback following a quiet performance for Santos in a 1-1 home draw against Corinthians in a Brazilian league match on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Last Chance Before Squad Announcement

The match against Corinthians was Neymar’s final opportunity to impress Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti before he announces his squad for two crucial friendlies on Monday. These friendlies against France and Croatia in the United States will serve as the final evaluation before Ancelotti names his definitive squad in May for the World Cup, which will be held from June 11 to July 19.

Performance and Concerns

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, struggled to make a significant impact during the game. His best chance came in the second half with a header that narrowly missed the target. Reports indicate he had difficulty dribbling and did not register a shot on goal.

Despite his recent struggles, Neymar expressed his desire to be included in the World Cup squad. “I wish to go back to the national team and play in the World Cup, but that’s not up to me,” he told journalists after the match. “Whether I am there or not, I will always cheer for Brazil.”

Injury and Recovery

The 34-year-old Neymar has been recovering from an ACL injury sustained in October 2023, followed by another knee surgery in December. He has featured in less than 10 matches for Santos this year. However, he has shown flashes of his potential, notably scoring twice in a 2-1 win against Vasco da Gama in February, which moved him into the top 10 of Santos’ all-time leading scorers.

Match Details

Memphis Depay opened the scoring for Corinthians in the 19th minute at the Vila Belmiro Stadium, with Gabriel Barbosa equalizing just four minutes later. Santos staffers confirmed that two representatives from Brazil’s soccer confederation attended the match.

Missed Match and Fan Fears

Neymar’s decision to sit out a match against Mirassol on Tuesday has raised concerns among fans that he may have jeopardized his chances of appearing in his fourth consecutive World Cup. Reports suggest that Ancelotti was not informed about Neymar’s absence until shortly before the game.

Ancelotti’s Stance

Ancelotti has stated that he will only select players who are fully fit for the tournament. He has as well indicated that some players may not require further evaluation, potentially keeping Neymar’s World Cup hopes alive even if he is not selected for the upcoming friendlies.