Brazil hopes to end a 24-year wait for World Cup glory. The pressure has never been greater

Brazil’s quest for a sixth World Cup title is reigniting after a 24-year wait, but confidence appears at its lowest point in decades. The Seleção has five World Cup wins overall, yet its last triumph in 2002 has been followed by a run of quarterfinal exits and heavy defeats, including France ending Brazil in 2006, the Netherlands in 2010, and Germany delivering a 7-1 loss in 2014. After exits in 2018 and 2022, a new generation led in expectations by Vinícius Júnior faces mounting skepticism. A Datafolha April survey found only 29% of Brazilians believe Brazil can win, with 46% not expecting progress beyond the quarterfinals. Off the pitch, a Rio de Janeiro court in May 2025 ordered the removal of former CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues, tied to alleged document falsification ahead of re-election. Brazil also suffered its worst qualifying campaign, finishing fifth in CONMEBOL with 28 points—10 behind Argentina—and a 4-1 loss in Buenos Aires contributed to coach Dorival Júnior’s departure.