The soccer world eagerly awaits the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Brazilian legend Romário has dropped a bombshell about the Seleção’s prospects. In a candid interview with ESPN Brasil, the 1994 World Cup winner made a bold claim: without superstar Neymar leading the charge, Brazil has no chance of lifting the trophy.
Romário’s Stark Assessment
Romário did not mince words in his evaluation of Brazil’s current squad. While acknowledging the team boasts talented players who shine at the club level, he argued they have failed to replicate that form for the national side.
“With Neymar in the next World Cup, Brazil will have difficulty winning. Without Neymar, it will be impossible to win. There are good players [in the squad], who play their brilliant role in their clubs, but unfortunately, in the national team they were unable to demonstrate that.”
– Romário
A Troubled Qualifying Campaign
Romário’s comments come amid a concerning period for Brazilian football. The five-time champions currently sit fifth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings, having won just five of their twelve matches to date.
- 7 points adrift of leaders Argentina
- 4 losses already in the campaign
This middling form has raised alarm bells for a nation accustomed to being the global standard-bearer in the sport. The absences of Neymar, who has been sidelined with a severe knee injury since October 2023, has clearly hindered the Seleção.
The Neymar Factor
Since his senior debut in 2010, Neymar has been the undisputed focal point of the Brazilian attack. His incredible strike rate of 79 goals in 128 appearances makes him the nation’s all-time leading scorer.
However, a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee sustained on international duty in October 2023 has kept the forward out of action for over a year. A brief two-game return for his club Al Hilal was curtailed by a hamstring problem, leaving his availability for the crucial upcoming qualifiers against Argentina and Colombia in doubt.
Brazil will hope their talisman can put his injury woes behind him and spearhead the charge to reach the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where Neymar has expressed his strong desire to feature.
No Margin For Error
With only the top four teams qualifying automatically and the fifth-placed side facing an intercontinental playoff, Brazil has little room for further slip-ups. Coach Dorival’s men must find a way to get results, with or without their biggest star.
But if Romário’s grim prediction proves accurate, Brazilian fans may have to endure an agonizing wait to add to their record tally of World Cup triumphs. In his view, only a fit and firing Neymar can restore the Seleção to the summit of the global game.
The soccer universe will watch with bated breath to see if this generation can turn the tide and bring joy to the expectant yellow-shirted masses. For now, though, a sense of foreboding hangs over the mighty Brazil.
