With only 66 days to go until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Neymar’s fitness has become a critical focus for both his club Santos and the Brazilian national team. The 34-year-old forward must recover fully to be considered for Brazil’s squad, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti emphasising that only players at peak physical condition will earn selection.
Santos has taken proactive measures to ensure Neymar can participate in as many matches as possible before the tournament begins on 11 June. The club’s medical and fitness teams are working intensively to restore his physical condition, combining rigorous training with advanced recovery techniques.
Santos’ Pre-World Cup Match Schedule for Neymar
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 May | Brazilian Championship | Palmeiras | High-risk match due to artificial turf |
| 15 May | Copa do Brasil | Flamengo | Full participation planned |
| 18 May | World Cup Squad Announcement | – | Ancelotti to reveal squad |
| 25 May | National Team Camp | – | Begins at Granja Comary |
| 11 June | World Cup Kick-off | – | – |
Ahead of the national team camp, Santos will play 14 matches across the Brazilian Championship, Copa do Brasil, and Copa Sudamericana. The club aims to field Neymar in at least 13 of these fixtures to maintain match fitness, though he will rest during the opening Copa Sudamericana match against Deportivo Cuenca in Ecuador.
To manage the physical demands of consecutive matches, Santos has implemented a combination of intensive training and advanced medical procedures. Neymar has undergone Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy to accelerate recovery in his knee, using his own blood to promote tissue and joint regeneration. He is also training twice daily to regain strength, stamina, and agility, even when not on the pitch.
Coach Cuca explained, “Before the mid-season break, we want Neymar fully energised for the remaining 13 matches. Resting him in the opening Copa Sudamericana game is a planned strategy. Our medical, physiotherapy, and coaching teams are working closely to optimise his condition.”
Recent Surgery and Rehabilitation
Neymar recently underwent knee surgery during the latest FIFA international break, marking his second procedure within a few months. The surgery, combined with PRP therapy, is aimed at reinforcing damaged tissue and enhancing his overall knee stability. Previously, he suffered a serious knee injury during World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay in October 2023, which kept him out of both the national team and regular club football.
Despite missing the friendly matches against France and Croatia, Neymar is using this international break as a “mini pre-season” to rebuild his fitness, focusing on speed, strength, and endurance. Santos have confirmed he will not feature in the opening Copa Sudamericana match but will intensify training in preparation for subsequent fixtures.
The success of this rehabilitation plan will determine whether Neymar can return to the national squad fully fit, reinforcing Brazil’s ambitions for the 2026 World Cup. Santos and Neymar’s representatives continue to monitor progress closely, particularly ahead of challenging matches such as the away fixture against Palmeiras on artificial turf.
In essence, Santos’ meticulous preparation and Neymar’s commitment to recovery reflect a calculated effort to ensure Brazil’s captain leads his team at peak performance on football’s biggest stage.