As Brazil gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, legendary striker Romário has raised concerns regarding the national team’s capacity to secure victory without their star player, Neymar. Brazil, a footballing giant with an illustrious history, has been chasing World Cup glory since 2002, yet Romário’s pessimistic outlook highlights a troubling reality: the depth of talent in the current squad may not be enough to carry the team through critical matches without Neymar’s influence.
A 1994 World Cup champion, Romário remains a powerful voice in Brazilian football. He recently articulated his doubts about the national team’s chances, stating that while they possess talented players, their performances have not lived up to expectations. This sentiment underscores a crucial point: individual brilliance, often showcased in club football, has not translated effectively to the international stage. Romário remarked, “With Neymar in the next World Cup, Brazil will have difficulty winning. Without Neymar, it will be impossible to win.” This assertion suggests that the synergy and creativity that Neymar brings to the pitch are irreplaceable.
Neymar’s significance to the national team extends beyond mere statistics; he is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, with a staggering 79 goals in 128 appearances. Unfortunately, the 32-year-old forward has faced a series of injuries, most notably a torn ACL and meniscus sustained during a match in October 2023. His absence from the pitch, coupled with a subsequent hamstring injury after returning to his club, has left Brazil in a precarious position as they strive for qualification.
There’s mounting anticipation regarding his return, with Brazil hopeful that he will partake in the World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina scheduled for March. The team currently stands fifth in their qualifying group, trailing behind leaders Argentina by seven points. The urgency for Neymar’s return cannot be overstated; his presence is seen not only as pivotal for goal-scoring but also for inspiring a struggling squad to find coherence and confidence.
As Brazil’s management looks to recalibrate their strategy, the integration of Neymar back into the squad holds paramount importance. While the current roster includes several players showcasing their talents at prestigious clubs, the collective team performance has been tenuous. Dorival, the head coach, is faced with the challenge of building strategies that can unify and elevate the team, especially in Neymar’s absence.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges, with Brazil needing to claw their way back into a more favorable qualifying position. They have already suffered four losses in their qualification campaign, prompting discussions about the robustness of their tactical framework. In an era where many younger, dynamic teams are emerging, Brazil must adapt quickly to retain its historical status within international football.
The narrative surrounding the 2026 World Cup is intricate; while Neymar’s contributions are undeniable, the broader context of Brazilian football demands a reevaluation of how to bet on teamwork and resilience. Should Neymar recover and return to his elite form, Brazil would undoubtedly enhance its chances of lifting the World Cup trophy once again. However, as Romário correctly emphasizes, relying solely on one player’s brilliance may not suffice against the backdrop of contemporary football’s evolving dynamics.