Santos could end 12-year World Cup absence if Miguelito’s Bolivia qualify | OneFootball

Santos could end a 12-year wait for a World Cup representative, with midfielder Miguelito their leading hope for 2026.

According to Diario Do Peixe, Bolivia finished seventh in South American qualifying and booked an intercontinental play-off spot. They face Suriname on Thursday 26 at 19:00 at Estadio BBVA, Monterrey. If they advance, Iraq await on the 31 at 23:00 with qualification on the line.

If Bolivia qualify, Miguelito would take Santos back to the tournament. The club’s last World Cup representative was left-back Eugenio Mena in 2014, a regular for Chile. He played in the run to the last 16, where Brazil won on penalties.

Santos could yet have another name at the finals. Neymar is working towards a Brazil recall, having been out since 2023. The number 10 is targeting Carlo Ancelotti’s final squad, due to be announced on 18 May.

The last Santos player called up by Brazil for a World Cup was Robinho in 2010. He rejoined the club on loan from Manchester City that year to push for selection and started in Brazil’s campaign in South Africa.

Despite strong public clamour, coach Dunga left the emerging Neymar and Paulo Henrique Ganso out of the final list for 2010.

Source: Diario Do Peixe