For many years, Brazil has been known for its football greatness, winning a record five World Cups and producing some of the most exciting players. But as the 2026 World Cup gets closer, the once-powerful Brazilian team seems to be falling apart. Even though they had a fairly easy qualification process, their recent performances are worrying. The embarrassing 4-1 loss to Argentina showed serious weaknesses, making fans and experts wonder how a team full of top players can look so lost on the field.
Brazil’s Decline: A tale of poor coaching and tactical disarray
Brazil’s struggles are not just about individual performances; they stem from a lack of tactical identity. Under Dorival Jr, the team has appeared disjointed, with no clear game plan. The midfield has been particularly problematic, with the team often outnumbered and outplayed in central areas. The 4-1 thrashing by Argentina was a stark example of these issues.
Brazil attempted to play with only two central midfielders against Argentina, a tactical misstep that left them exposed. A team that once controlled games with midfield maestros like Zico, Socrates, and Kaka now finds itself unable to string together meaningful passages of play. In their last ten games, Brazil has won only three, drawn two, and lost five—a dismal record for a nation with such high expectations.
Lack of midfield control: The Paqueta problem
One of the biggest setbacks has been the absence of a commanding midfielder. Lucas Paqueta was emerging as a vital cog in Brazil’s system, but his career was derailed by a betting scandal, which cost him a move to Manchester City and has left a void in Brazil’s midfield. In their last competitive matches, Brazil has struggled to maintain possession and dictate the tempo, relying on individual brilliance rather than structured build-up play.
In Qatar 2022, Brazil’s defensive stability was their strength. They conceded just three goals in five games, with goalkeeper Alisson barely tested in the group stage. However, without a midfield anchor like Paqueta, the team has lost its balance, leading to frequent defensive collapses. In their last four games, Brazil has conceded eight goals, further highlighting their structural issues.
Coaching crisis: Who can fix brazil?
Dorival Jr’s tenure has been underwhelming, and his decision-making has been questioned at every turn. From questionable squad selections to tactical naivety, he has failed to instill confidence in the team. If Brazil decides to part ways with him, two options stand out: bringing in a foreign coach or fast-tracking a young, promising Brazilian manager.
Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who had great success with Flamengo, is a strong candidate. Another intriguing option is former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid left-back Filipe Luis, who has impressed in his early coaching career. Regardless of who takes over, the priority must be to rebuild the midfield and develop a coherent tactical approach.
Can brazil reclaim their glory?
Brazil’s current struggles are not irreversible, but urgent changes are needed. With Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Endrick leading the attack, they have the talent to compete at the highest level. However, without a functional midfield and a tactical overhaul, Brazil risks entering the 2026 World Cup as just another team rather than the powerhouse they once were.
