Man City star Savinho admits he's worried as Brazil face historic World Cup humiliation
Brazil have lost four of their last five World Cup qualifiers and could miss out on automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament unless their results improve
by Felix Keith · The MirrorBrazil star Savinho has admitted the team are desperate for victories following a dreadful run of results which is threatening their participation in the next World Cup.
Brazil have lost four of their last five World Cup qualifiers – as many as they lost in the previous 63 – and have just 10 points from eight games. Their miserable form amounts to their worst-ever qualifying campaign and means they sit fifth in the South American qualifying group ahead of must-win games against Chile in Santiago on Thursday and Peru in Brasilia five days later.
They have struggled without the injured Neymar and will also be without Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and defenders Bremer and Eder Militao for October’s internationals.
Dorival Junior has become Brazil’s third head coach since the 2022 World Cup, following Ramon Menezes and Fernando Diniz, and is under pressure to deliver amid the threat of missing out on automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
"It's worrying because of the position we are in and what the fans expect from us," admitted Manchester City winger Savinho said ahead of Thursday's qualifier in Santiago. "The time has come. It's a very good moment for all the players to really show what Brazil is, where we deserve to be. We're going to work as long as we have to and get the three points and climb the rankings."
Brazil are six points behind leaders Colombia in the South American group after suffering 1-0 defeats against Ecuador and Paraguay last month. Despite their dreadful form, Brazil know their fate is still in their hands, given the top six sides qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, with the seventh-placed team going into the play-offs.
"Everyone that was called up has in mind to do this, to make Brazil win games again," Savinho added, stressing the need for the forwards to step up in the absence of Neymar and Vinicius. "Of course, I will take some of the responsibility to help the national team, but not just me. There's Rodrygo, [Gabriel] Martinelli, [Lucas] Paquetá, Bruno Guimarães, Endrick... If each one takes a little responsibility and puts it on the field, we will stand out against our opponents."
Meanwhile, Savinho’s City team-mate Ederson thinks the experienced players in the squad need to lead by example against Chile and Peru. “We have to show more and dig deep to get back to the top of the table, where we should be,” Ederson said. “With victories comes confidence and the most important thing now is to win.
“I’m one of the most experienced in the group, along with Danilo, Weverton and Marquinhos,” Ederson said. “But everyone has to be responsible and lead, regardless of their age. Do the older players advise the youngsters? We pass on what we have experienced in the national team and that helps the younger ones to adapt and improve. We do our best to work together so that we can be as strong as possible.”
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