Brazil records worst World Cup qualifying campaign after defeat to Bolivia
Brazil closed its 2026 World Cup Qualifiers with just 28 points and a modest 5th place finish the worst campaign in the country’s history since the current points system was introduced in 1996.
Historic Low in the Qualifiers
On Tuesday night (09), in El Alto, Bolivia beat Brazil and confirmed the Seleção’s weakest performance ever in South American qualifying. Previously, the lowest tally had come in the 2002 cycle, when Brazil collected 30 points and finished 3rd.
This time, the five-time champions managed only 28 points from 18 matches, falling short even of their preparation for the 2002 title. Qualification was only secured thanks to FIFA’s expanded format: six direct places plus one playoff slot for South America.
Brazil’s recent qualifying record:
- 2002 – 30 points (3rd place)
- 2006 – 34 points (1st)
- 2010 – 34 points (1st)
- 2018 – 41 points (1st)
- 2022 – 45 points (1st)
- 2026 – 28 points (5th)
Coaching Instability
The cycle toward the 2026 World Cup was marked by turbulence off the pitch. The CBF first appointed Fernando Diniz as interim coach, then Dorival Júnior as permanent manager, who lasted just eight months. Eventually, Carlo Ancelotti took over, but even under the Italian, Brazil endured its worst ever qualifying performance.
What’s Next for Brazil
With the qualifiers over, the CBF is now scheduling friendlies and warm-up matches ahead of the World Cup.
- Oct 10 – South Korea (Asia)
- Oct 14 – Japan (Asia)
- November – matches against one European and one African opponent (TBD).
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11, 2026, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
