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When FIFA announced that the 2026 World Cup would feature 48 teams, many assumed it would primarily benefit mid-tier nations like Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia, Venezuela, or Peru. Few could have imagined that a five-time world champion like Brazil would find themselves needing the extra safety net.
In their 12th qualifying match, Brazil could only muster a 1-1 draw at home against fierce rivals Uruguay, and the Seleção should be relieved they avoided an embarrassing loss. After Federico Valverde gave Uruguay the lead with a long-range strike in the 55th minute, Brazil relied on a moment of brilliance from Gerson, who volleyed in the equalizer just seven minutes later.
Despite salvaging a point, Dorival Júnior’s side offered little to inspire confidence. The likes of Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, and Rodrygo failed to make a significant impact, leaving Gerson—a former player for Roma, Fiorentina, and Marseille, now with Flamengo—as the unlikely hero of the evening.
Brazil’s current standing in the qualifiers—a fifth-place spot in a 10-team table—would be a major concern under the old 32-team World Cup format. However, with South America now guaranteed six direct spots and a potential seventh through an intercontinental playoff, Brazil’s path to the World Cup remains intact despite their underwhelming displays.
Fans in Brazil were not shy about expressing their disappointment, showering the team with boos after the final whistle. This reaction reflects a growing frustration with the Seleção, whose recent history includes four quarterfinal exits in the last five World Cups and a humiliating semifinal defeat to Germany in 2014. Add to that a quarterfinal elimination in the 2021 Copa América, and it’s clear this generation has yet to prove itself worthy of the country’s glorious footballing past.
Never before has Brazil looked so average during a World Cup qualifying campaign. The fifth-place spot they currently occupy is far from the dominance fans are accustomed to. Without the expansion to 48 teams, Brazil’s performances might not have been enough to secure qualification at all.
Brazil’s coach, Dorival Júnior, now faces a daunting task: turning this uninspiring team into a genuine contender before the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, based on their current form, Brazil is unlikely to arrive at the tournament as one of the top five favorites—a stark contrast to their historical status as perennial title contenders.
Uruguay, on the other hand, deserves more praise, even though Marcelo Bielsa’s coaching methods have reportedly caused friction among some players. Despite their internal challenges, Uruguay managed to go toe-to-toe with Brazil on their home turf. Federico Valverde, one of Real Madrid’s brightest stars, struck a sensational goal from 20 yards to put his team ahead, and while Gerson’s volley denied them victory, Uruguay remains second in the standings with 20 points.
Uruguay’s overall performance under Bielsa has been far from perfect, but they are showing signs of a team capable of delivering big moments. Brazil, on the other hand, looks lost, and without significant changes, Dorival Júnior’s side risks heading into the World Cup as little more than an afterthought among the tournament’s elite.
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