Brazil’s World Cup qualifying campaign has been far from smooth, with the Selecao facing an uphill battle to secure automatic qualification for Qatar 2026. Injuries to key players, including Neymar and Vinicius Jr, have not helped, but there are also underlying tactical issues that need to be addressed.
Brazil’s World Cup qualifying campaign has been far from smooth, with the Selecao currently sitting fifth in the standings and facing the prospect of missing out on automatic qualification for Qatar 2026. Injuries to key players, including Neymar and Vinicius Jr, have not helped, but there are also underlying tactical issues that need to be addressed.
Brazil’s attacking options should be the envy of world football, with the likes of Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Gabriel Martinelli, Rodrygo, Gabriel Jesus, Raphinha, Richarlison and Antony all at their disposal. However, the Selecao have only scored eight goals in their opening five qualifying games.
Part of the problem is that Brazil have been too reliant on individual brilliance, rather than playing as a cohesive team. They have also been guilty of missing chances, and have been too easily exploited on the counter-attack.
Defensively, Brazil are also a work in progress. They have a strong center-back pairing in Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes, but their full-back options are lacking. Renan Lodi has failed to convince, while none of Emerson Royal, Carlos Augusto, Yan Couto or natural center-back Bremer have seized their opportunity.
Brazil have also been hit by injuries in recent months, with Neymar, Raphinha, Vinicius, Casemiro, Jesus, Militao, Richarlison and Ederson all missing due to knocks of differing degrees.
The loss of Vinicius Jr is a particular blow, as the Real Madrid forward was seen as the man to take over from Neymar. However, Vinicius has picked up a hamstring injury that will rule him out until early 2024.
Brazil’s coaching situation has also been far from ideal. Tite stepped down after the 2022 World Cup, and the Selecao have had three different managers in charge since then. The current manager, Fernando Diniz, is only on an interim basis.
All eyes will now be on Endrick, a 17-year-old forward who has been tipped for the top. Endrick has scored four goals in his last five games for Palmeiras, and is seen as the next big star of Brazilian football.
Brazil will need Endrick to step up if they are to qualify for the 2026 World Cup automatically. However, there are also underlying tactical issues that need to be addressed, and the Selecao will need to find a way to play as a cohesive team if they are to be successful in USA.