Brazil’s hopes of automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup hang in the balance after a string of poor performances has left the team in a precarious position. Losing four of their last five World Cup qualifiers, the Seleção faces a tough road ahead if they are to secure their place in the tournament, with star player Savinho admitting the pressure is mounting.
Brazil has lost four of their last five matches—equaling the number of defeats they suffered in their previous 63 qualifiers. With just 10 points from eight games, this marks the team’s worst-ever start to a World Cup qualifying campaign. Currently sitting in fifth place in the South American group, they face must-win matches against Chile in Santiago on Thursday and Peru in Brasilia next week to keep their hopes alive.
The absence of key players like Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Alisson, and defenders Bremer and Eder Militao has only added to their struggles. Head coach Dorival Junior, the third manager since the 2022 World Cup, is under immense pressure to reverse the team’s fortunes.
“It’s definitely concerning, considering the position we’re in and what the fans expect,” said Manchester City winger Savinho ahead of the crucial match against Chile. “The time has come for us to show what Brazil is really made of. We need to prove we deserve to be at the top. We’re going to fight for those three points and climb the rankings.”
Despite back-to-back 1-0 defeats to Ecuador and Paraguay last month, Brazil’s fate remains in their own hands. The top six teams from South America automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the seventh-placed team faces a play-off. Though six points behind group leaders Colombia, Brazil knows that a strong finish could still see them through.
“Everyone called up for these matches understands the urgency to make Brazil win again,” Savinho added, emphasizing the need for the team’s attackers to step up in the absence of Neymar and Vinicius. “I’ll take some responsibility, but it’s not just me. We’ve got Rodrygo, Gabriel Martinelli, Lucas Paquetá, Bruno Guimarães, and Endrick. If each player shoulders a bit of the load, we’ll stand out against our opponents.”
City goalkeeper Ederson, one of Brazil’s more seasoned players, believes the team’s veterans must lead by example in the coming games against Chile and Peru. “We have to show more and dig deep to get back to the top of the table, where we belong,” Ederson said. “Winning breeds confidence, and right now, getting those victories is the most important thing.”
“As one of the most experienced players, alongside Danilo, Weverton, and Marquinhos, I know the older guys have a duty to guide the younger ones. But everyone has to take responsibility, no matter their age,” Ederson added. “We pass on our experience to help them adapt and improve, and we all work together to make the team as strong as possible.”
The next few matches will determine if Brazil can turn things around and reclaim their status as a dominant force in world football.
