Will Neymar, Messi, and Ronaldo play in the 2026 World Cup?

[Woodie]

I feel time to usher in the new generation wouldn't have been any better than now.. but unfortunately players like Neymar are passed their prime but on the other hand Messi and Ronaldo could boost ticket sells, viewership and all that because these two have a big audience that follows them, and with the war probably taking more of the headlines.. I think it would need these kind of players to drum up support...

Otherwise we need to retire them to have a new face(s) of football.

[Die_empty]

The odds of Neymar now are at 54%, and I think that accurately reflects the current situation

Neymar has been able to play in Santos’ matches
And just today, a few hours ago, I saw a news report that coach Ancelotti reiterated that whether Neymar is called up depends entirely on him
His physical condition is what will determine whether he’s called up or not

It seems his chances have improved now

Here's the news, but it's in Portuguese: https://ge.globo.com/futebol/selecao-brasileira/noticia/2026/05/13/ancelotti-sobre-convocar-neymar-para-a-copa-do-mundo-depende-apenas-dele.ghtml

The coach said that the talent and technical ability of Neymar cannot be disputed, but his physical ability might be his undoing. It is now up to the player to work hard and gain fitness. If I were in his shoes, I would devote more time to my physical fitness and ensure that I disconnect from every activity that will affect my fitness negatively. Wild parties, alcohol consumption, and others should be avoided.

It seems Carlo Ancelotti wants to assemble a team that is made up of young, talented, and experienced players. He is also considering including 41-year-old Thiago Silva in the World Cup squad. Experienced players like Casemiro, Alisson, Raphinha and Marquinhos might also make the final list.

[Webutxo]

I know that they won't make the disclosure by now if Neymar is going to made it up to the list or not play, because they can't still predict on any possible occurrence before then, but honey not sure it is better we still go on the fact that they are yet to conclude on him, but let's assume if at all he is well fit, then we consider him for playing the world cup because there is nothing to use as an excuse for not including him in playing for his country.

Why is Neymar so important in this world cup? I don't see any official benefits he will bring to united state or other countries. Last I check, he hasn't even bag any endorsement since a year now to post on his social media profile. In the last world cup, he wasn't that supportive like he did in the last few years and even in those years, there was not a single world cup to show. If in those years of his prime he couldn't, even now there is absolutely nothing he can do.

There is this culture of force football that we do and it doesn't make any sense. There are better version of Neymar in Brazil that need attention but they aren't giving them one. To say even Neymar didn't had it full of roses, they all came from the ghetto to make it in football. They should give other people some chance, the old glories should retire and let new ones take over football.

[Doan9269]

Seeing players like Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar play in the world cup could encourage for more participation and sale of tickets as some have already advised, which means that we are going to have more spectators to experience this performance from various players because of their experience in football and why their fun still want to to see them perform once again as before, we should not also forget that things may not be the same as we thought in the past, because the older they get the more their strength and performance diminishes, we have a new breed of players that can be considered while the experience one could just serve as backup in case of any ugly situation beyond expectation.

[Supreme Donvic]

I'm very sure that Messi and Ronaldo will go to the world cup and with the way things I also going right now Neymar may also go to the world cup this three players have been so wonderful and they have made a lot of people to appreciate football they have a lot of fans all over the world they have dedicated themselves to football and they have achieved a lot the only person who did not achieve better because of injury was Neymar. Neymar is a very good player that deserve more but because of injury he could not achieve what he really wanted to achieve but Missy and Ronaldo achieved everything they really wanted the only thing remaining for Ronaldo right now is the world cup and he may get it.
I will love to see this three players in the world cup because they have proven themselves and shown to people that football is beautiful.

[famososMuertos]

:://:::

Why is Neymar so important in this world cup? I don't see any official benefits he will bring to united state or other countries. Last I check, he hasn't even bag any endorsement since a year now to post on his social media profile. In the last world cup, he wasn't that supportive like he did in the last few years and even in those years, there was not a single world cup to show. If in those years of his prime he couldn't, even now there is absolutely nothing he can do.

There is this culture of force football that we do and it doesn't make any sense. There are better version of Neymar in Brazil that need attention but they aren't giving them one. To say even Neymar didn't had it full of roses, they all came from the ghetto to make it in football. They should give other people some chance, the old glories should retire and let new ones take over football.

It's one thing to mention that Neymar isn't going to the World Cup because he's out of shape, or his legacy as a player has ended, or he simply wasn't called up. In a team like Brazil, this is "normal"; Ronaldinho was left out at one point, (2010).

What I don't find convincing is your argument (post) that we have to give others opportunities because they're old, etc. It's not entirely accurate. In fact, for example, in Messi's case, his presence is an honor to his legacy as a footballer, and the same goes for Ronaldo (CR7). Both should allow younger players to take their place, but incredibly, they're not only on the national team because of their legacy, but also because of their good form.
 

[eaLiTy]

~
It's one thing to mention that Neymar isn't going to the World Cup because he's out of shape, or his legacy as a player has ended, or he simply wasn't called up. In a team like Brazil, this is "normal"; Ronaldinho was left out at one point, (2010).

Brazil have a history of excluding big players by their coaches, excluding Romário the first time was a huge deal as it was a headline in many Football loving countries and a major debate among our friends during that time, on 18th we will get the confirmation whether Neymar will be in the 26 member squad before announcing the final squad.

What I don't find convincing is your argument (post) that we have to give others opportunities because they're old, etc. It's not entirely accurate. In fact, for example, in Messi's case, his presence is an honor to his legacy as a footballer, and the same goes for Ronaldo (CR7). Both should allow younger players to take their place, but incredibly, they're not only on the national team because of their legacy, but also because of their good form.

Completely respect this take, if you are healthy and if you are performing you should be in the team, age alone should not be the factor in determining whether you represent the team.

Youngsters will gain experience by simply sharing a training session with these legends, Messi could have retired when he won the World Cup but to come back and defend the title and if he is able to win again, legacy will be unmatched.

[lombok]

Seeing players like Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar play in the world cup could encourage for more participation and sale of tickets as some have already advised, which means that we are going to have more spectators to experience this performance from various players because of their experience in football and why their fun still want to to see them perform once again as before, we should not also forget that things may not be the same as we thought in the past, because the older they get the more their strength and performance diminishes, we have a new breed of players that can be considered while the experience one could just serve as backup in case of any ugly situation beyond expectation.

The dying line ups of legends in the world cup lead to emotional scenes that spearhead an explosion in terms of fans involvement in the world. But, turning to using old players who are aging, would be a new generation being choke strangled. Although their experience is very difficult to substitute, the best approach that guarantees the successful future of the national team is mentoring of young players.

[satscraper]

]

Why is Neymar so important in this world cup?

Probably only as an idol, and even that depends on whether Brazil reaches the final ^{which I highly doubt}. Neymar is too old now to be considered the real game‑changer for his team, even if he ends up being included in the squad. Besides, he has just returned from injury and if he has any sense he should step away from 2026 World Cup ^{a bad deal for him that could spoil his former glory}.

[Shishir99]

For Neymar, he is not fit enough at this moment. So there is a reason why the chance is this low. The world cup is almost there. If some miracle does not happen, then Neymar won't play the world cup. I am confident that both Messi and Ronaldo will play the World cup this time. Last time in 2022, we said that this will be the last world cup for Messi and Ronaldo. However, they did not retired yet and playing. So there is a high possibility both of them will play this world cup.

The tough question will be if they will play the 2030 World cup and the chance will be below 5%. But you never know the future. Ronaldo probably wants to play the 2030 World Cup as well. But I am not sure if Portugal will pick him. This guy deserves a World Cup.

[Joeboy]

~snip...

Probably only as an idol, and even that depends on whether Brazil reaches the final ^{which I highly doubt}. Neymar is too old now to be considered the real game‑changer for his team, even if he ends up being included in the squad. Besides, he has just returned from injury and if he has any sense he should step away from 2026 World Cup ^{a bad deal for him that could spoil his former glory}.

Hahaha, if you say that 34 years Neymar is too old, what will you say about 41years old C.Ronaldo or 38 years old Messi, am sure you may even call them great grandfather's   Ronaldo is old, but yet still making a big difference both at his club and even his country, same goes to Ankara Messi... Old age isn't even the reason why Neymar has lost his touch, it is Injury that is really dealing with him.. I heard a final decision will be made next week by Ancelotti on if Neymar Jr. and others will be included into the WC squad ...

[Emjay24]

The coach said that the talent and technical ability of Neymar cannot be disputed, but his physical ability might be his undoing. It is now up to the player to work hard and gain fitness. If I were in his shoes, I would devote more time to my physical fitness and ensure that I disconnect from every activity that will affect my fitness negatively. Wild parties, alcohol consumption, and others should be avoided.

Let's see how Neymar fares out, because the Neymar I know is a very carefree person who loves flexing more than anything else, the time Neymar was actually serious about football was in his younger years, now I cannot vouch for him at all, he might even pick up an injury in his first game. World cup is not like local leagues, you need a lot of physicality to compete. I support Ancelotti's stand by leaving it open to his ability to return to fitness to be called up.

It seems Carlo Ancelotti wants to assemble a team that is made up of young, talented, and experienced players. He is also considering including 41-year-old Thiago Silva in the World Cup squad. Experienced players like Casemiro, Alisson, Raphinha and Marquinhos might also make the final list.

I prefer Thiago Sylva being included in that squad than Neymar. He is more of a determined person and a good leader with lots of experience in the game. Ancelotti has a lot of options, I hope he makes the best decision in selecting players.

[YellowSwap]

This is nothing but a big "maybe", still a game of prediction, and that's why it's a good one for prediction market, mind you it's best you risk small money in such prediction because something can happen.

People die unexpectedly this days, I am not saying these footballers will die before the world cup gets here, I am saying that even our lives isn't certain, some people won't be alive by the time the world cup gets here.

This is why I don't like prediction, it's too uncertainty, better risk ony what you can afford to lose.

[Italian Panic]

we can talking about clearly that neymar will never go to mexico - canada - usa world cup, he is out of athletic and not in the carlo ancelotti scheme. The only way is some tipe of injury to a newcomer, but I think that: a few week previous of world cup his staff will talk about an strange injury accours to neymar and he can't play at world cup.

[swogerino]

I think any of them can play but I think they will be substitute players considering their age now, we all know their skills yet performance is tied to physics and they are not the same as a 24 year old player for example. Still I hope they are part of their national teams as we need them just to be there, even at the bench, there may be games where we go to additional time and penalties and in such cases they can truly make a difference for their team.

[satscraper]

~snip...

Probably only as an idol, and even that depends on whether Brazil reaches the final ^{which I highly doubt}. Neymar is too old now to be considered the real game‑changer for his team, even if he ends up being included in the squad. Besides, he has just returned from injury and if he has any sense he should step away from 2026 World Cup ^{a bad deal for him that could spoil his former glory}.

Hahaha, if you say that 34 years Neymar is too old, what will you say about 41years old C.Ronaldo or 38 years old Messi, am sure you may even call them great grandfather's   Ronaldo is old, but yet still making a big difference both at his club and even his country, same goes to Ankara Messi... Old age isn't even the reason why Neymar has lost his touch, it is Injury that is really dealing with him.. I heard a final decision will be made next week by Ancelotti on if Neymar Jr. and others will be included into the WC squad ...

"41 years old C. Ronaldo or 38 years old Messi " are something like a "dinosaurian ichnofauna" of football ^{on every meaningful metric}. The point concerns Neymar specifically, because the current group of players who could form the hard core of the Brazil squad ^{and lead the rest of the team} are younger and compare in their on‑field skill.

[Slow death]

I think any of them can play but I think they will be substitute players considering their age now, we all know their skills yet performance is tied to physics and they are not the same as a 24 year old player for example. Still I hope they are part of their national teams as we need them just to be there, even at the bench, there may be games where we go to additional time and penalties and in such cases they can truly make a difference for their team.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi have immense influence and skill in their local teams and national teams. It would be unthinkable to see the national coaches of these two players benching them in important matches like the World Cup games. That's why I'm very convinced they will start every game. Winning every game is the objective of every coach, and none of these coaches will want to risk benching these two players and then losing the game. The fans and football federations of their countries will be harsh on coaches who do that.

[jeremypwr]

The World Cup is less than a month away; and it looks like all four will be playing in this year’s tournament.
I think that’s a good thing because fans around the world want to see the best players compete on the biggest stage.

[lombok]

I think any of them can play but I think they will be substitute players considering their age now, we all know their skills yet performance is tied to physics and they are not the same as a 24 year old player for example. Still I hope they are part of their national teams as we need them just to be there, even at the bench, there may be games where we go to additional time and penalties and in such cases they can truly make a difference for their team.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi have immense influence and skill in their local teams and national teams. It would be unthinkable to see the national coaches of these two players benching them in important matches like the World Cup games. That's why I'm very convinced they will start every game. Winning every game is the objective of every coach, and none of these coaches will want to risk benching these two players and then losing the game. The fans and football federations of their countries will be harsh on coaches who do that.

Trusting both players will be expected is only logical as both have proved themselves to make all the difference at the right moments. With millions of fans the pressure on coaches is to start with their best line up, otherwise they're under a lot of scrutiny. Yes, as results are key, both these stars believe in magic going for the World Cup is their priority.

[satscraper]

I think any of them can play but I think they will be substitute players considering their age now, we all know their skills yet performance is tied to physics and they are not the same as a 24 year old player for example. Still I hope they are part of their national teams as we need them just to be there, even at the bench, there may be games where we go to additional time and penalties and in such cases they can truly make a difference for their team.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi have immense influence and skill in their local teams and national teams. It would be unthinkable to see the national coaches of these two players benching them in important matches like the World Cup games. That's why I'm very convinced they will start every game. Winning every game is the objective of every coach, and none of these coaches will want to risk benching these two players and then losing the game. The fans and football federations of their countries will be harsh on coaches who do that.

Influence is an important factor when considering both Ronaldo and Messi as members of their national teams for the 2026 World Cup, but not much beyond that. In my view, if they are included, they will likely spend more time on the bench than on the field, as their physical condition may no longer allow them to compete against younger and more aggressive players from other nations. Of course, this is just my personal opinion. The final decision belongs to the coaches.