A small mound of brown hair on the front of his shaved head. Ronaldo’s astonishing haircut became legendary in the summer of 2002. It was with this strange look that the former No. 9 gave Brazil its fifth World Cup, scoring twice in the final against Germany in Japan (2-0). Twenty-two years later, it remains the Seleçao’s last world title.
But Dorival Junior has every intention of renewing the glorious past of his country, which holds the record for titles in football’s premier event. Present at a press conference on Tuesday, the Brazilian coach showed great confidence in looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada. “We can hope to reach the final of the next World Cup. You can record that,” said the 62-year-old coach, who has been in office since last January.
Brazil in difficulty since the start of qualifying
Since the R9 double, Brazil has suffered a series of disappointments in the event that made its reputation. Without reaching a single final. Swept away at home by Germany in the semi-final of the 2014 edition (1-7), it has failed four times at the quarter-final stage, the last time on penalties against Croatia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar (1-1, 2 pens to 4).
Before hoping for more sunny days in America, Vinicius Jr’s Seleçao must first qualify for the 2026 World Cup. After seven matches, the Auriverde team is in fourth place in the South American qualifying group, eight points behind the leaders Argentina. With two wins, one draw and three losses on the clock. Dorival Junior’s team is coming off a win against Ecuador last Saturday thanks to a goal from Rodrygo (1-0). They will try to get another win on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday in Paraguay (2:30 a.m.).
- RMC Sport
