Brazil's hope is at stake. Will Neymar make it to the 2026 World Cup?

Brazilian star Neymar da Silva is still in a real race against time, but this time away from his skills in dodging defenders, but rather in his constant battle with the injuries that have burdened his knees, as the biggest dream in his career approaches, which is to appear in the 2026 World Cup finals. The star returning to his club Santos is well aware that this tournament may represent his last stop on the world stage, which drives him to do everything he has in order to reserve his place on the national team roster. Brazil.In a step that reflects the extent of his determination, Neymar decided to undergo a new medical intervention, not through traditional surgery, but through an advanced treatment program aimed at rehabilitating his knee and restoring its full readiness. This step came at a sensitive time, amid close follow-up by the Brazilian fans, who are awaiting the return of their first star in full fitness before the start of the World Cup.For his part, Santos coach, Kuka, was keen to clarify the details of the player’s condition, stressing that his absence during the recent international break was for purely medical reasons and planned in advance, as part of a treatment program aimed at raising his physical readiness to the maximum possible level. The technical staff hopes that these steps will help Neymar convince the national team coach, Carlo Ancelotti, of his ability to provide the addition, and his deserving of being on the final list.Within the framework of this program, Neymar resorted to using the “platelet-rich plasma” (PRP) technique, which is one of the latest therapeutic methods that depends on stimulating the regeneration of damaged tissues within the joint. This approach focuses on strengthening the knee by combining vital therapy with intensive physical rehabilitation, with the aim of restoring the balance between flexibility and strength.Indeed, the player began a rigorous rehabilitation program that extends for several months, preferring to use the international break to fully focus on recovery, rather than joining the national team. Neymar hopes that these efforts will result in him regaining his best condition, to confirm that his talent is still capable of making a difference, whenever his body helps him to do so.The biggest challenge facing the Brazilian star remains to prove his ability to physically endure in a tournament the size of the World Cup, which requires complete readiness and high continuity. Between the magic of talent and the seriousness of injuries, the coming months stand as a decisive stage in determining the fate of his participation.In the end, the coming period with Santos will be a real test for Neymar’s career, either a strong return that leads him to his final appearance in a Brazilian jersey in the World Cup, or a poignant end imposed by the severity of injuries on one of the most prominent football stars in the modern era.