Neymar Makes a Comeback in Brazil’s Preliminary Squad for World Cup Qualifiers Against Colombia and Argentina.
Neymar, who recently returned to Santos after a short stint in Saudi football, is the standout name in Brazil’s preliminary squad for the South American qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina in March, announced this Friday by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
Other intriguing names in coach Dorival Júnior’s preliminary list include Antony (Real Betis), Endrick (Real Madrid), and Samuel Lino (Atlético de Madrid), along with two familiar faces: Lucas Moura and Oscar (São Paulo).
Neymar hasn’t played for the Canarinha since October 2023, when he suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee during a World Cup 2026 qualifier against Uruguay in Montevideo.
After his first month back at Santos, the number 10 said he feels “better physically,” “more relaxed,” and hopes to don the national team jersey again soon.
“It’s always been a huge honor for me to represent the national team,” he said last Sunday after scoring the first Olympic goal of his career in a 3-0 victory over Inter de Limeira in the final group stage match of the Paulista Championship.
The preliminary list released this Friday by the CBF also includes more regular players like Marquinhos (PSG), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rodrygo, and Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid).
Dorival Júnior will announce the final list of 23 players on March 7 for the double-header of South American qualifiers for the World Cup in Canada, the United States, and Mexico 2026.
Brazil will first face Colombia in Brasília on March 20, and then the reigning world champions, Argentina, five days later in Buenos Aires.
Credit: MSN.com
