Neymar has announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America will mark the end of his international career, expressing confidence that Brazil will secure qualification despite their struggles in the South American qualifiers.

“I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance, and I will do everything I can to play in it,” the 32-year-old Brazilian forward told CNN in an interview published Tuesday.

Neymar, who has been sidelined by injuries for over a year, remains optimistic about Brazil’s prospects. The Seleção currently sit fifth in the 10-nation CONMEBOL qualifying group after 12 rounds, five points clear of Bolivia in seventh. With the top six teams guaranteed spots in the World Cup, Neymar expressed faith in Brazil’s emerging talent.

“We’re not in a position where we would like to be,” Neymar admitted. “But I think together we can achieve something very big. We have a year, a year-and-a-half to work, to do the right things to reach the World Cup.”

The 2026 tournament, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will see Neymar at 34 years old. Despite his recent setbacks, including knee surgery and a hamstring injury while playing for Saudi club Al Hilal, Neymar is determined to return to top form.

“I want to be there,” he said. “I’m going to try to do my best, to work very hard so that I can be with the Brazilian team.”

Potential Reunion with Messi and Suarez

Neymar also hinted at a potential reunion with his former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami. The U.S. club, co-owned by David Beckham, has already brought Messi and Suarez together.

“Obviously, playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible,” Neymar said at an award ceremony in Dubai. “They are my friends. We still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio.”

Neymar acknowledged that his move to Saudi Arabia prevented him from joining Miami earlier, as the U.S. transfer window had closed. However, he did not rule out the possibility of playing in Major League Soccer before the World Cup.

“I’m happy in Saudi Arabia, but who knows? Football is full of surprises,” he said.

Neymar could cross paths with Miami in June when Al Hilal competes in the expanded Club World Cup in the United States, where Miami will also participate.

Brazil and Neymar now look ahead to their remaining qualifiers, hoping to regain their dominance on the global stage and build momentum for the World Cup in 2026.