Neymar at the World Cup: What Has Changed — and What Is Still at Stake for the No. 10
For the first time in over a decade, Neymar arrives at a World Cup neither an undisputed starter nor captain. Here's what has changed for the No. 10 heading into 2026.
Something that seemed unlikely not long ago has become reality: Carlo Ancelotti included Neymar Jr. in Brazil's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. The call-up ended months of intense debate in Brazilian football — and it arrives loaded with symbolism.
According to ge.globo.com, this is the first time in over a decade that Neymar does not enter a World Cup as an undisputed starter. The captain's armband, which he wore for so long, now belongs to Marquinhos. The No. 10 arrives at the tournament in a position unlike anything he experienced at the three previous editions.
This will be his fourth World Cup, placing him alongside historic names such as Pelé, Cafu, Ronaldo, and Thiago Silva in the select group of Brazilians with four World Cup appearances. Of all of them, only Thiago Silva and Neymar himself have yet to win the title. The forward has declared this will be his last World Cup — which turns every match into a potentially defining chapter of his career.
For Brazil as a whole, the Golmetria model puts the team's chances of finishing top of Group C at 51.94%, with a 91.22% probability of advancing to the knockout stage. However, bookmakers assign Brazil an implied title probability of 8.67% — below the 4.66% calculated by the model — a divergence worth monitoring throughout the tournament.
What happens on the pitch in the opening rounds of Group C will say a great deal about the role Neymar will play at this World Cup. Keep a close eye on Ancelotti's starting lineup.