Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has criticised Brazil’s national football team following their disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, questioning the players’ commitment after the tournament ended.
Speaking during a visit to the Mauá Institute of Technology in São Paulo, Lula revealed that he had sent a message to Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti after noticing that almost none of the players returned to Brazil on the national team’s official flight following their elimination.
Only defender Danilo travelled back with the delegation, while most of the squad remained abroad to join their respective clubs or continue their holidays.
“I sent a message to Carlo Ancelotti. The team went to the World Cup with a whole delegation, but almost no one came back on the team plane. Only one player returned. What a disgrace,” Lula said.
“If they had won the World Cup, everyone would have been here celebrating.”
Brazil’s campaign ended in the Round of 16 after a 2-1 defeat to Norway, marking another disappointing World Cup for the five-time world champions.
The early exit has led to widespread criticism from fans, former players and football pundits, with many questioning the team’s performances under new head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Lula also lightened the mood with a joke after watching a student demonstrate a robot at the technology institute.
“The boy made an aggressive robot, it looked like Mbappé or Haaland,” the president said.
“I told Ancelotti, ‘If you want to sign someone, sign that robot, because it’ll help Brazil win the World Cup.'”
Ancelotti, who took charge of Brazil earlier this year after a highly successful managerial career with clubs including AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, now faces increasing pressure to rebuild the Seleção ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the criticism, the Brazilian Football Confederation has backed the Italian coach, who is expected to remain in charge as preparations begin for the next World Cup cycle.
