Neymar contributed a goal after a classy free kick in the 9th minute, along with a goal from teammate Joao Schmidt in the 56th minute, helping Santos perfectly beat their opponent Bragantino with a score of 2-0 to qualify for the semi-finals of the Paulista Championship, to meet Corinthians or Palmeiras.
With impressive form since the return of Neymar, Santos FC is becoming a strong candidate to win the Paulista Championship, the oldest Sao Paulo state championship in Brazil.
Neymar has now scored 3 goals and provided 3 assists in his last 6 consecutive official appearances for Santos, a total of 7 matches, with the first match (6.2) coming off the bench in the second half. In the impressive 6-match streak, Neymar has also been voted the best player of the match 4 times.
These convincing performances helped coach Dorival Junior officially name Neymar in the preliminary list of 52 players of the Brazilian team, preparing to compete in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America in March.
According to Brazilian press, Neymar will definitely be on the shortlist of 23 players, when coach Dorival Junior announces it on March 7.
At the same time, the Argentina team also announced a preliminary list of 33 players who will be called up in the coming time to compete in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Legendary player Messi continues to be present, along with familiar teammates such as Emiliano Martinez, Otamendi, De Paul, Julian Alvarez… Notably, young star Nico Paz was also called up and the return of Paulo Dybala, along with 19-year-old striker Claudio Echeverri who has just joined Man City.
In the upcoming rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America, the Argentina team will face rival Brazil at home in Buenos Aires at 7:00 a.m. on March 26.
In the first leg in November 2023, Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 away from home thanks to Otamendi’s only goal. Messi played at that time, but Neymar was absent due to a serious injury. This time, it is expected that these two close friends will reunite on the pitch.
Before facing each other on March 26, Argentina and Brazil will have matches against other very strong opponents. Specifically, Argentina will play away against Uruguay at 6:30 a.m. on March 22; while Brazil will host Colombia at 7:45 a.m. on March 21 (both Vietnam time).
Argentina are leading the South American qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup, with 25 points from 12 matches. Brazil are fifth with 18 points, behind Uruguay (20 points), Ecuador and Colombia (both 19 points). Paraguay are sixth with 17 points, while Bolivia are seventh with 13 points.
In the South American qualifying round, the top 6 teams will directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals, while the 7th team will compete in the Intercontinental play-off round for a play-off spot.
