Just over six months have passed since Argentina won the 2022 World Cup, but the time to look back has gone. After the end of this June international break, the next time South America’s national teams are in action will be to compete for a place at the 2026 World Cup, as the qualifiers get underway in September.
Bearing in mind that this month has been the final opportunity to get together before things get competitive, the last few days have been surprisingly low key — perhaps reflecting problems in fixing up high-profile friendlies. But suddenly things are not low key for Brazil, whose future plans will be put under the microscope after a 4-2 defeat to Senegal in Lisbon.
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Once again, Brazil were under the command of caretaker coach Ramon Menezes, whose day job is to take charge of the under-20s. In March his team lost to Morocco. Earlier this month his U20 World Cup campaign ended with elimination by Israel. And now, after Saturday’s 4-1 win over Guinea (where the result was better than the performance) his side suffered another embarrassing defeat. Indeed, this is the first time Brazil have conceded more than two goals since the 2014 World Cup — a 3-0 defeat to Netherlands in the third-place playoff, which came after the disastrous 7-1 thrashing to Germany in the semifinals.
The problem is that Menezes looks slated to be in charge for the first six rounds of the 2026 qualifiers. Brazil have made no secret of their desire to appoint Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti and, according to the local media, are willing to wait until his contract runs out in a year’s time. But what happens until then? Does Menezes stay in charge?
