By Kiin Media Editorial Board
In any previous World Cup qualifying cycle, the mere thought of Brazil failing to secure a place at the tournament would have sent shockwaves through global football. Not this time.
With FIFA’s expanded 2026 format granting six automatic South American berths, Brazil—despite their alarming decline—sit comfortably ahead of Venezuela, a team that only recently snapped a 10-game winless streak. Barring catastrophe, the Seleção will be in the United States, Mexico, and Canada next summer. But qualification is no longer the concern. The real issue is whether this fractured, dysfunctional squad can possibly transform into World Cup contenders in just over a year.
The Fall from Grace
It’s easy to forget how close Brazil came in Qatar 2022. A quarterfinal penalty shootout defeat to Croatia—a match decided by a cruel deflection on Croatia’s only shot on target—masked what was a balanced, occasionally brilliant side. That team, marshaled by the peerless Alisson in goal, blended defensive solidity with moments of attacking flair. They were genuine contenders.
Fast forward two years, and Brazil are a shadow of that team. Tuesday’s 4-1 humiliation by Argentina laid bare the structural rot: a nonexistent midfield, disjointed defending, and an attack devoid of cohesion. This was not just a loss; it was an identity crisis.
The Paquetá Problem
Central to Brazil’s struggles is the absence of a midfield orchestrator. Lucas Paquetá, once the linchpin of this team, saw his career derailed by off-field controversy just as he was poised for a marquee move to Manchester City. Under new coach Dorival Júnior, Paquetá had emerged as the vital link—a player who could dictate tempo, bridge midfield and attack, and unleash the speed of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. Without him, Brazil’s play has devolved into aimless flank play and hopeful long balls.
The Neymar Mirage
Dorival’s gamble on Neymar’s return for these qualifiers was a desperate miscalculation. After a year sidelined by injury, the 33-year-old was never going to immediately recapture his influence. His latest muscular setback was predictable, and while romantics might invoke memories of Ronaldo’s 2002 resurrection, Neymar’s ability to carry this team—let alone stay fit—remains dubious.
The Road to 2026
Brazil’s problems run deeper than personnel. The team lacks a clear tactical blueprint, and the federation’s revolving door of coaches—Dorival is the sixth in five years—has bred instability. The 2026 World Cup should serve as a platform for growth, but time is running out.
If Brazil are to lift a sixth World Cup, they must solve their midfield void, reintegrate Paquetá (if possible), and find a system that maximizes their young stars. Otherwise, Tuesday’s thrashing in Rio won’t be a blip—it will be a preview of another premature exit.
For a nation that measures success in gold, mere qualification is no longer enough. The fear isn’t that Brazil will miss the World Cup; it’s that they’ll arrive as just another team.
Kiin Media – Delivering Insight, Not Just Headlines
This editorial reflects the views of Kiin Media’s editorial board and is based on current football analysis. For more in-depth coverage, follow Kiin Media online.