From Pelé to Ronaldinho, Brazil has enjoyed decades of dominance as a five-time FIFA World Cup champion. However, the team now faces an unprecedented crisis, with their direct qualification for the 2026 tournament hanging in the balance.
Their recent 1-4 defeat to Argentina saw the Seleção slip from second to fourth place in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, dealing a major blow to their campaign. To add to the frustration of Brazilian fans, Lionel Messi’s Argentina have already secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next year.
The defeat not only served as a wake-up call for Brazil but also led to the dismissal of head coach Dorival Júnior. With just a year left until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this is the last thing the Brazil Football Confederation would have hoped for.
To make matters worse, Brazil’s form has been dismal, with Neymar still struggling to return from injury and the team underperforming in both friendlies and qualifier matches.
The biggest and most pressing question remains—who will be Brazil’s next head coach? Speculation is rife about Carlo Ancelotti, the current Real Madrid manager, taking charge of the five-time World Cup champions. However, despite the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) reaching out to Ancelotti’s camp, their hopes were met with disappointment.
However, even though the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) approached Ancelotti’s camp, their hopes were dashed as Ancelotti firmly dismissed any speculation about managing the national team.
As things stand in the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil still have a chance to secure a spot with four games remaining. A total of six direct qualification slots and one inter-confederation playoff spot are available for CONMEBOL teams. Currently, Brazil sits in fourth place with 21 points from 14 games, trailing Argentina (31), Ecuador (23), and Uruguay (21) with an equal number of games played.
Brazil’s next challenge will be against Ecuador on June 4 in the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
