Why isn’t Neymar playing for Brazil against Colombia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier?

The FIFA World Cup 2022 ended in tears for Neymar and Brazil, who were defeated by Croatia in a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals. There had been plenty of talk as to whether the former Barcelona and PSG attacker would retire from international soccer following the tournament, but come the start of the FIFA World 2026 qualifiers in September, he was in his usual spot leading the Brazilian attack.

Neymar passes Pelé as Brazil’s top scorer

Following a big-money move to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, the 31-year-old wasted little time in putting his international disappointment behind him, scoring his 78th and 79th goals for his country in the very first qualifier against Bolivia, taking him past Pelé's all-time record for Brazil.

Former Barça star suffers ACL tear

A little over a month later, however, and Neymar, who missed the latter stages of the 2014 World Cup on home soil through injury, had to endure more heartache in a yellow jersey against Uruguay in Montevideo. The forward tripped in an innocuous-looking incident just before half time and was immediately surrounded by concerned teammates before leaving the field on a stretcher. It was later confirmed by club Al Hilal that he had suffered both ACL and meniscus tears in his left knee, which would keep him out of action long-term.

As a result, the Saudi club have decided to de-register the Brazilian from their roster for remainder of the season, allowing them to bring in another foreign player, although they plan to re-register him once he is fully fit again.

When is the 2024 Copa América?

The winger will miss Brazil’s fixtures this week against Colombia and Argentina but should be available again when World Cup qualification resumes in 2024, with the next games not scheduled until September. However, the 2024 Copa América (20 June to 14 July 2014) is looming large on the horizon, with Neymar already facing a race against time to be ready.

Speaking ahead of Thursday’s game against Colombia, Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said the former Barça star was “recovering well” from his operation but that he would “go through a slow and lengthy rehabilitation process” after a “complex injury”.

No pressure on future Real Madrid attacker Endrick

Head coach Fernando Diniz has been keen to stress that replacing Neymar will be a team effort, with the likes of Real Madrid duo Vinícius Junior and Rodrygo, as well as Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli and Barcelona winger Raphinha, part of “an extremely talented generation.”

Diniz also attempted to take the pressure off Palmeiras striker Endrick, who has earned his first call up to the senior team as a 17-year-old and will also move to Madrid next year. “He is here because of his merit and enormous future potential. We don’t have to expect everything from a 17-year-old Endrick. I see huge potential. He could become one of those legendary players in Brazilian football, but time will tell.”