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Brazilian President Lulá jokes about elimination and advises
Teams 16 July 2026

Brazilian President Lulá jokes about elimination and advises

After his country's premature World Cup exit, President Lulá of Brazil jokingly suggested to football coach Ancelotti that he select a robot. During a visit to the Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia in São Paulo, he referred to the robot's power and precision, mocking Brazil's poor World Cup performance. Brazil surprisingly ended up in the eighth finals after losing to Norway (1-2), the Selecao's worst World Cup result in the 21st century.

Brazilian President Lulá jokes about elimination and advises

According to Championat.

Background

Brazil's recent defeat to Norway has led to a rethink of the current player squad and coach Carlo Ancelotti's approach. With the 2026 World Cup looming, there is pressure to build a competitive team that will outperform the current generation, who were unable to reach the quarter-finals.

Why this matters

Brazil's elimination in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup has led to much disappointment and criticism of the team's performance. This result is the worst for the Seleção in the 21st century, raising questions about the future of the national team and the choices of the coaching staff led by Carlo Ancelotti. President Lula's humorous comment reflects the frustration and need for change within Brazilian football.

Key points

  • Brazilian President Lulá jokes about elimination and advises.
  • After his country's premature World Cup exit, President Lulá of Brazil jokingly suggested to football coach Ancelotti that he select a robot.
  • Луис Инасиу Лула да Силва remains central to Brasil's plans.

Brazil's elimination from the 2026 World Cup has not only led to sporting disappointment, but also to striking reactions off the field. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva used humor to cope with the Seleção's painful departure during an occasion in São Paulo. During a visit to the Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia, he viewed a robot designed by a student, which turned out to perform impressively. Lula took the opportunity to throw a punch at national coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"This robot looks a bit like Mbappé or Haaland, it shoots the ball so powerfully!" Lula joked in front of the press present. He then turned to Ancelotti with a playful suggestion: "If you want a new player for the national team, take this robot – he will win the World Cup for Brazil!" The ironic comment came not long after Brazil had reached the round of 16 at the World Cup after a 1-2 defeat to Norway. This was immediately the worst white football record for the Seleção in the 21st century.

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The elimination caused a lot of discussion in our own country about the future of the national team and the choices of the technical staff around Ancelotti. The performances of star players were also criticized, as the team did not progress beyond the first knockout phase after a difficult tournament. Lula's joke was widely reported in the Brazilian media and struck a chord with many football fans who hoped for better results from samba football.

It remains striking that the Brazilian football team has not won a world title since 2002. Interim eliminations are extra painful for a country with such a rich football history. Ancelotti, that oneAs Europe's top coach who came to the World Cup with high expectations, he will have to think about the future together with the Brazilian Football Association and find an answer to the failure in North America. For now, the president's humor provides some relief in a period of national sporting disappointment.

The football world is watching with anticipation to see how Brazil will recover towards the next tournament. For the time being, Lula's words will often return as a parody of the World Cup adventure of the 'Divine Canaries'.

What's happening now

After this disappointing elimination, the Brazilian Football Association's focus will likely shift to evaluating the team and coaching staff. It is expected that discussions will take place on possible adjustments to the squad and strategies for the future, especially in view of the next World Cup in 2026. The performances of star players will also be scrutinized to improve the season outlook.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the result of the match between Brazil and Norway?

Brazil lost 1-2 to Norway in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

What is the impact of Brazil's elimination on the standings in the 2026 World Cup?

The elimination means Brazil will not progress beyond the first knockout stages, which is the worst result for the Seleção in the 21st century.

What did President Lula say about Brazil's elimination?

President Lula joked about the elimination and suggested that Carlo Ancelotti should select a robot as the new player for the national team.

What is the next match for the Brazilian national team?

The next match for the Brazilian national team is currently unknown as they have been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.

Why is Brazil's elimination so disappointing for fans?

The elimination is disappointing because the team has not won a world title since 2002 and now did not progress beyond the first knockout phase.

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