Santos welcomes rival Corinthians to Vila Belmiro for a high-stakes Clásico Alvinegro on matchday six of Brazilian Serie A 2026. Santos, currently in 14th place, is looking for consistency after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Mirassol. Meanwhile, Corinthians (tenth) seeks to stop a streak of two consecutive defeats with Dorival Júnior. However, all eyes are on Neymar Jr, who is reportedly close to returning to the matchday squad. Neymar Jr eyes 2026 FIFA World Cup swan song amid retirement suggestions.
Will Neymar Jr play tonight in the Santos vs Corinthians match in Brazilian Serie A 2026?
Brazil’s all-time leading scorer Neymar Jr is expected to return to the Santos starting lineup. After being rested during the midweek draw against Mirassol due to muscle fatigue, the 34-year-old striker has completed consecutive full training sessions with the first team. Neymar Jr signs an extension from Santos FC.
Reports from the CT Rei Pele training camp indicate that Neymar participated in high-intensity tactical exercises on Thursday and Friday without discomfort.
For Neymar, the Clásico Alvinegro is more than a local derby; It’s a final audition for the national team. With star forwards Rodrygo and Estêvão sidelined through injury, a vacancy has opened up in the selection front line for the 2026 World Cup.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 15, 2026 at 02:41 pm IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website lastly.com.)