FIFA 2026 World Cup: Brazil, a failure foretold
Photo: Brazil’s national team manager Carlo Ancelloti
Brazil’s wait for a sixth FIFA World Cup title goes on. The national team has not lifted the trophy since 2002, when, under the leadership of Luiz Felipe Scolari and powered by stars such as Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Cafu, and Roberto Carlos, it defeated Germany 2–0 in the final to secure its fifth world championship.
Since then, Brazil has endured a series of painful eliminations while trying to reclaim its place at the summit of world football. Under the current leadership of Brazilian football, however, that objective appears increasingly unattainable.
HOPES SHATTERED At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil’s campaign came to an abrupt end with a disappointing 2–1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16. The loss shattered the hopes of millions of Brazilian supporters dreaming of a sixth title and once again forced the country to confront difficult questions about the future of its national team.
Brazil entered the tournament with encouraging signs after a promising preparation. In the group stage, the team opened with a draw against Morocco, followed by an important victory over Haiti before comfortably defeating a modest Scotland side to secure qualification for the knockout rounds.
FAILING TO INSPIRE Even in the Round of 32, however, Brazil failed to inspire confidence. A narrow 2–1 victory over Japan was only secured through a decisive goal scored in the closing minutes of the match.
Against Norway, the team’s weaknesses became impossible to ignore. Brazil struggled in every area of the pitch and ultimately suffered a 2–1 defeat, bringing its World Cup campaign to an end before reaching the quarterfinals.
INSTABILITY IN BRAZIL’S FOOTBALL ADMINISTRATION The elimination has intensified the debate over both the direction of the Brazilian national team and the political turmoil surrounding the governance of Brazilian football. For years, the country’s football administration has been marked by instability, with senior officials facing allegations of fraud, negligence, and administrative incompetence.
The 2026 World Cup cycle began under the leadership of Ednaldo Rodrigues, whose presidency was heavily criticized before he was eventually removed from office amid multiple irregularities.
His successor, Samir Xaud, was expected to usher in meaningful reform. Instead, what followed was the continuation of an outdated and ineffective administrative structure. The ongoing attempt to reshape Brazilian football according to an excessively European model has yet to deliver the expected results.
DISTINCTIVE IDENTITY Brazil built its footballing legacy on a distinctive identity—one rooted in creativity, individual brilliance, technical excellence, and the ability to rise to the occasion in the biggest matches. Recovering that identity will be one of the country’s greatest challenges in the years ahead.
Carlo Ancelotti, one of the most successful managers in football history, built his legendary reputation at club level. Now, his work with Brazil is already under intense scrutiny. If he remains in charge through the 2030 FIFA World Cup cycle, he will face a formidable task. He will need to reassess his approach, create more opportunities for emerging talent, shield the team from external political pressures, and avoid relying too heavily on a limited core of players, as the decisions made during this tournament failed to produce the expected results.
RETHINK AND REBUILD As the most successful nation in FIFA World Cup history, with five titles, Brazil must fundamentally rethink the way its football is governed if it hopes to begin a genuine rebuilding process and reclaim its place among the world’s elite. At present, that objective appears more distant than ever.
…This article is courtesy aipsmedia.com
