What the world is saying about Brazil
As of 2026-06-21
The global narrative on Brazil is "unconvincing favourites in name only." A turgid 1-1 draw with Morocco drew alarm from the international press, who saw a nervy, ageing side rescued only by Vinicius Jr; a routine 3-0 win over Haiti steadied things but persuaded few. Pundits and bookmakers have downgraded the Selecao, with Ancelotti and a sluggish Casemiro the focus of cross-border scrutiny, while France and Spain are seen as the real contenders.
The takes
Al Jazeera· Qatarcriticism
Called the Morocco draw a shaky start showing signs of nerves and said Brazil will have to vastly improve to go far, crediting Vinicius for a magic moment.[source]
Goal.com power rankings· United Kingdomcriticism
Ranked Brazil only 7th, saying they were indebted to the brilliance of Vinicius Jr and escaped with a point from a display that bordered on shambolic at times.[source]
Goal.com· United Kingdomcriticism
Branded the opener the dictionary definition of an underwhelming start and urged Ancelotti to bench Casemiro, who looked every bit his age and a shadow of his Manchester United self.[source]
ESPN· United Statesneutral
On the 3-0 Haiti win, noted Brazil looked markedly improved from their insipid opening draw but were flattered by generous defending and could have scored more.[source]
Bookmakers via Squawka and FOX Sports· United Kingdom / United Statescriticism
Markets cooled on Brazil despite progress: outright odds drifted from around 8/1 toward 12/1, even after beating Haiti, leaving them well behind France, Spain and England.[source]
Sunday Tribune / Pretoria News· South Africacriticism
Framed Ancelotti's untouchable Casemiro as facing intense backlash, casting the veteran as the symbol of Brazil's troubles and questioning the coach's loyalty to him.[source]
6 takes · all sources linked inline. See also the global sources index.