Brazil’s struggles in World Cup qualifying was underlined by a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Argentina in their second and last game of the March international window. Despite having a six-point cushion over Venezuela, Brazil’s performance has raised concerns about their ability to build a competitive team for the 2026 World Cup. The team’s disjointed display against Argentina, with no clear midfield strategy, has put pressure on coach Dorival Junior.

Dorival’s tactics have been questioned, particularly his decision to play two men in central midfield against Argentina. The team’s lack of fluency and inability to create scoring opportunities have been evident in recent games. The absence of midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who was on the verge of becoming a key player, has been significant. Paqueta’s ability to dictate the pace of the game and create space for other players has been sorely missed.

Neymar’s premature return from injury has also been a factor in Brazil’s struggles. The Paris Saint-Germain forward’s absence due to muscular problems has left a gaping hole in the team. Romantics may recall Ronaldo’s triumphant return from injury in 2002, but Neymar’s situation is different. At 33, Neymar is an unknown quantity, and it remains to be seen whether he can regain his form and make a significant impact.

The crisis in Brazilian coaching has been highlighted by Dorival’s struggles. The lack of time to train and job insecurity in domestic Brazilian football have contributed to a shortage of qualified coaches. Foreign coaches, particularly from Argentina and Portugal, have been in demand to fill the gap. If Dorival is replaced, former Chelsea left-back Filipe Luis, who has made an impressive start to his coaching career with Flamengo, could be a contender.

Brazil’s qualifying campaign has been underwhelming, and the team’s chances of winning the 2026 World Cup appear slim. However, with four rounds remaining, Brazil are unlikely to miss out on qualification. The real challenge will be to build a competitive team capable of making a deep run in the tournament.

The search for a solution to Brazil’s midfield woes continues. The team’s inability to control the pace of the game and create scoring opportunities has been a major concern. With the 2026 World Cup looming, Brazil must find a way to address these issues and build a team capable of competing with the best in the world.