Neymar Backed for WC Spot: “He Is Not The Neymar Of The Past”

After making Carlo Ancelotti's 55-man preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Santos’ coach Cuca has backed Neymar to cement a place in the final group of 26 that will be heading to the global showpiece.

The former Paris Saint-Germain star played a crucial role and provided an assist in his side's 2-0 victory over Coritiba in a Copa do Brasil encounter.

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The 34-year-old has not donned the national colours since playing against Uruguay in 2023, but now faces the possibility of being selected for the World Cup.

Cuca insisted that the megastar still has plenty to offer the national side.

“For the World Cup, I think that with each game that’s passed, Neymar is showing his worth, his ability. He's not the Neymar of the past, who would take the ball and drive it inside, but he creates enormous difficulties for the opponent today,” he said per GOAL.

“In the national team, he can help in many ways, coming from behind, setting someone up, his intelligence, holding onto the ball, organising, finishing. He plays on the wing, as a number 10, as a false nine.”

All 48 participating nations have until June 1 to submit their final 23-to-26-man rosters to FIFA. According to Cuca, having Neymar on that roster is “necessary.”

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“His spot in the national team is very much on track, I imagine. He can represent us in a really good way, I think it's necessary, in my understanding. It's up to the people at the CBF; they have their options to analyse how to proceed.

“I don't know what will happen in the World Cup, and Brazil is doing well. God willing, they will be champions. Let's wait and see, take it game by game, like we've been doing. Maybe on Sunday he'll have another good game, and who knows, he might secure his place in the World Cup.”