Brazilian football star, Neymar Jr has announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America will be his final appearance on the global stage.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with CNN, the 32-year-old forward described the tournament as his “last shot” at World Cup glory and pledged to give his all to secure a spot in the squad.
“I know this will be my last World Cup, my last chance, and I will do everything I can to play in it,” Neymar said.
Although he has not featured for Brazil in over a year, Neymar remains confident in the team’s ability to qualify for the tournament.
Brazil currently sits in fifth place in the South American qualifiers, five points ahead of seventh place, with a strong chance of advancing to the finals.
The announcement marks the potential culmination of a stellar international career that began in 2010.
Neymar has played in three World Cups so far, reaching the semifinals in 2014 and the quarterfinals in 2018 and 2022, but a winner’s medal has so far eluded him.
Neymar also hinted at the possibility of a reunion with his former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
“Playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible,” he shared.