International Football · Monday, August 17, 2026
Neymar at the Heart of Tensions Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Vasco supporters distribute masks of a crying Neymar during a league match, reigniting tensions surrounding the Brazilian international.
By Editorial team
Before a Brazilian Championship clash between Vasco and Santos, Rio de Janeiro supporters disrupted the entry of Santos player Neymar with massive provocations. Thousands of masks depicting the number 10 in tears — a reference to Brazil's elimination by Croatia at the 2022 World Cup — flooded the stands. These domestic tensions illustrate the psychological stakes surrounding Brazilian leaders ahead of qualification for the 2026 World Cup.