Brazil news

Brazil are short in key areas, while Belgium's golden generation has been and gone - but they're not the only ones who might struggle

Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has confirmed that renewing Neymar's contract is a major priority, days after the Brazil international admitted he was unsure where his future lies. The former Barcelona star returned to his boyhood team at the start of the year and helped them avoid what would have been an embarrassing relegation from Serie A, but his current deal is now set to expire.

Neymar is all set to visit the 'miracle doctor' in Brazil in a bid to overcome injury and make it to Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad in North America next summer. Neymar has struggled for fitness throughout the calendar year; however, he saw a late resurgence into the season as he scored and helped Santos avoid relegation, finishing 12th in the Brazilian top division league.

Neymar's second spell at Santos has, for the most part, been a disappointment. The injury problems that have plagued the Brazilian's career followed him back home, and as a result, he has been unable to build up any proper rhythm. He only featured in 20 of Santos' 38 Serie A games in the 2025 season, scoring eight goals, and is still waiting for a recall to the Brazil national team squad after a two-year absence.

Vinicius Junior is all set to face Erling Haaland in the international arena as a Brazil football chief has revealed plans to organise a pre-World Cup friendly with Norway in a potential repeat of the 1998 classic. The Manchester City goal machine emerged as the highest scorer in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as his 16 goals helped Norway reach the finals in North America.

Carlo Ancelotti says he doesn't "owe" anyone a place in his Brazil 2026 World Cup squad after once again being asked about Santos star Neymar's prospects. The Brazil icon has repeatedly been left out of recent national squads due to injury issues, but after scoring a hat-trick for his club last time out, speculation over his World Cup place is intensifying. However, the Italian made it clear he will not be pressured into certain picks.

The draw for the 2026 World Cup is finally over! After what seemed like an eternity, the real business finally got underway in Friday's ceremony in Washington DC, with Rio Ferdinand leading the way and sporting icons such as Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal and Wayne Gretzky teaming up to throw up some intriguing groups for next summer's tournament in North America.

Join GOAL for live updates from the World Cup 2026 group stage draw, as the biggest names in U.S. and global sport converge upon Washington D.C.

The World Cup 2026 draw has been made, with England set to face Croatia in the group stages, and the USMNT to take on Australia. Brazil have been drawn with Morocco, while France will play Senegal and Argentina must face Austria.

The Selecao's all-time leading goalscorer is in for another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Brentford have a remarkable record when it comes to replacing their star players. Over the last six years, the Bees have continued to progress despite seeing the likes of Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins, Said Benrahma, Neal Maupay, David Raya and Ivan Toney all move on, thanks to the meticulous work of the club's recruitment department. Their latest success story is Brazilian powerhouse Igor Thiago, who has emerged as a genuine rival to Erling Haaland for the Premier League's Golden Boot during the first half of the 2025-26 campaign.

South Africa are among the nine teams from the African continent that secured an automatic ticket for the prestigious global competition that will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Hugo Broos' men topped Group C of the qualifiers ahead of Nigeria and Benin to qualify for the tournament that they last participated in way back in 2010 as hosts.

Santos have been dealt a huge blow, as Neymar has been ruled out for the rest of the year with a knee injury. Santos, who are languishing in the Brazilian Serie A relegation zone, will miss their star forward at a very crucial juncture in the season. Neymar's return to his boyhood club has not gone to plan because the 33-year-old has been constantly rocked by injuries throughout the year.