Former captain Neymar has been recalled by Brazil after an absence of almost 1 1/2 years. The 33-year-old striker was included in the national squad by coach Dorival Junior on Thursday for World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina this month.

Brazil have recalled Santos forward Neymar for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina after more than a year, the soccer federation announced on Thursday.

The CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will deliver a special chapter this March, featuring the highly anticipated Argentina vs. Brazil clash.

Santos manager Pedro Caixinha said it should be Brazil's goal to win a World Cup with Neymar, like Argentina did with Lionel Messi

Neymar has been named in Brazil’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina, ending a 17-month absence from the team. The 33-year-old has not played for Brazil since October 2023,

The anticipation is building as one of the most storied rivalries in soccer is set to unfold in the latest chapter of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers. For fans worldwide, the prospect of seeing Lionel Messi and Neymar face off once again is thrilling.

Neymar is back in the Brazil national team for their World Cup qualifier games against Colombia and Argentina.

After making a return to the Brazilian football team after a gap of 16 months, Neymar is set to take on arch-rivals Argentina on 26 March. Neymar recently returned to footballing action with Santos and ended a 14-month goal drought last Sunday.

The result put an end to La Albiceleste’s 28-year spell without a major trophy. It comes as no surprise that the match was a real battle, yet not even the tension that comes with such a fierce rivalry – let alone in a decider – could jeopardise the Messi-Neymar friendship.

Without their leader and star player, Brazil have struggled in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The Seleçao currently sit fifth in the standings, seven points back of bitter rivals and leaders Argentina. Finishing sixth or better grants direct qualification for the World Cup in Conmebol, but Brazil's history demands finishing as high as possible.