Brazil in crisis mode before World Cup

April 1, 2026 Oliver Obel

With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, Brazil find themselves in an unfamiliar position: short on clarity, cohesion, and confidence. Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment was meant to steady the ship, but early signs suggest deeper structural problems remain unresolved.

The concern was evident during Brazil’s recent friendly defeat to France in Massachusetts. As reported by GOAL, the team struggled to impose itself even after France were reduced to 10 men, failing to register a shot on target before halftime and seeing limited possession for much of the match. Frustration inside the stadium spilled over into chants for Neymar a reminder of how much the team still leans on absent star power.

Ancelotti pushed back against that narrative after the game, insisting the focus should remain on the players available rather than those left out. Yet the persistence of the Neymar debate points to a wider issue: Brazil’s lack of cutting edge in attack.

The Italian’s arrival in May 2025 followed a prolonged pursuit by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), which had framed his hiring as a statement of intent. However, the build-up to his tenure was marked by instability. Interim spells under Ramon Menezes and Fernando Diniz delivered inconsistent results, while Dorival Jr was dismissed after a string of poor performances, including a heavy defeat to Argentina. Off the pitch, governance issues within the CBF including controversy surrounding its leadership added to the sense of disarray.

Those problems are now reflected in the squad itself. Brazil appear thin in several key positions, with injuries exposing a lack of reliable depth, particularly in defence. In midfield, reliance on experienced players highlights limited alternatives, while the attack has struggled to deliver consistently.

One statistic underlines the issue: since the last World Cup, Brazil’s defenders have contributed more goals than their forwards. That imbalance has fueled calls for Neymar’s return, despite ongoing concerns about his fitness and form.

Former striker Romario argued in an interview with Jornal O Dia: “It is better to have a star player like Neymar, even when he is not at 100%, than to call up any other player.”

Even so, Brazil’s difficulties extend beyond the absence of a single player. Key attackers such as Vinicius Junior and Raphinha have yet to consistently translate club performances to the international stage, while other options remain relatively unproven. Injuries have further disrupted continuity, with Raphinha facing time out at a crucial stage of preparation.

Results under Ancelotti have done little to ease concerns. He has won four of his first nine matches in charge, and Brazil’s position in World Cup qualifying slipped during that period, raising fresh doubts about progress under his leadership.

There is still time to improve before the tournament begins, but the broader picture is troubling. Brazil are not only searching for results they are searching for identity. The ongoing focus on Neymar reflects that uncertainty, but it may ultimately be a symptom rather than the root cause of their problems.

Sources: GOAL, Jornal O Dia