Brazilian Legend Says Samba Team Can't Win The 2026 World Cup Without Neymar

JAKARTA - Brazilian football legend Romario revealed that the Samba Team had no chance of winning the 2026 World Cup except for Neymar playing.

Romario, who won the 1994 World Cup with Selecao, the Brazilian National Team has quality, but has not played well.

"With Neymar, in the next World Cup (2026), Brazil will find it difficult to win. Without Neymar, it is impossible to win."

"There are good players (in the squad), who played a brilliant role at their club. But, unfortunately, in the Brazilian National Team they were unable to show it," Romario told ESPN Brazil.

Brazil has not won a World Cup since 2002.

Neymar, 32, is Brazil's all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances and has played in three World Cups.

He recently expressed his desire to play in the 2026 World Cup which will be played in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Brazil was not strengthened by Neymar who had been injured since October 2023 when he was torn apart by ACL and steamed in his left knee while on international duty.

Neymar returned to play in October 2024 for his club, Al Hilal, after a year absence. However, he suffered a hamstring injury in his second match upon his return.

He has not yet returned to action. Brazil expects Neymar to return to action for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers by March 2025 against Colombia and Argentina.

Brazil is in fifth place in the 2026 Conmebol Zone World Cup Qualification group, seven points adrift of leaders Argentina after 12 matches.

Dorival Junior's side have won five and lost four times in the qualifier.