Brazil football dominance has been unquestionable for decades, but their recent struggles raise concerns. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, fans are wondering if the Brazil national team can reclaim its former glory.
While qualification is nearly assured due to the expanded tournament, the real challenge lies in forming a squad capable of winning the trophy.
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A Struggling Powerhouse
Brazil performance in Qatar 2022 showed glimpses of brilliance. Their solid defense, led by goalkeeper Alisson, kept them competitive.
However, their quarter-final exit to Croatia exposed deeper issues. Despite controlling the match, they were undone by a late equalizer and lost on penalties.
Since then, their form has declined dramatically. A shocking 4-1 loss to Argentina highlighted a lack of structure and cohesion.
The team seemed directionless, unable to transition smoothly from defense to attack. Without a clear strategy, Brazil’s wealth of talent appears wasted.
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Tactical Issues and Coaching Concerns
The lack of midfield control remains a critical weakness. In recent matches, Brazil has struggled to maintain possession and dictate the pace.
Instead of a balanced approach, they often rely on individual brilliance to secure results. This was evident when Vinicius Jr’s stoppage-time goal salvaged an undeserved win against Colombia.
Dorival Jr, Brazil’s current coach, has been widely criticized for his tactical approach. His decision to play with only two central midfielders against Argentina backfired disastrously.
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A more cautious approach could have allowed Brazil to exploit counter-attacks, similar to their previous strategy against England.
Brazil’s coaching crisis extends beyond Dorival. Domestic football’s instability makes it difficult to develop top-tier managers.
Most of the country’s successful coaches are now foreign, with Portuguese and Argentine managers leading top clubs. If Brazil wants to regain dominance, they may need to look abroad for their next national team coach.
Who Could Lead Brazil Forward?
If Dorival Jr is replaced, Brazil has two primary options. One is to hire a foreign coach, with Portugal’s Jorge Jesus emerging as a strong candidate.
The other is to promote a promising domestic manager like former Chelsea left-back Filipe Luis, who has impressed at Flamengo.
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Whoever takes charge must prioritize midfield stability. Brazil’s reliance on attacking playmakers has left them vulnerable in the center.
In previous eras, they deployed two defensive and two attacking midfielders, but this system has led to a loss of fluency. Without a balanced midfield, Brazil’s chances of competing against top European teams remain slim.
The Neymar Question
Neymar has been central to Brazil plans for over a decade, but his future is uncertain. His recent return was premature, and injuries have disrupted his rhythm.
At 33, his ability to influence games at the highest level is questionable.
Despite this, Neymar could still play a vital role. A deep-lying playmaker position might suit him as his pace declines.
Fans recall how Ronaldo overcame injuries to lead Brazil to victory in 2002. Could Neymar script a similar comeback story?
The Path to Redemption
Brazil fans are desperate for a sixth World Cup title. To achieve this, they must resolve their tactical flaws, strengthen their midfield, and possibly rethink their coaching setup.
If they succeed, they could turn their recent struggles into one of football’s greatest redemption stories.
With the countdown to 2026 underway, the world is watching. Will Brazil rise again, or will their decline continue? The answer will unfold on the road to North America.
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