Brazil Preparing for Period of Transition After World Cup Elimination

What will the Brazilian national team look like come World Cup 2026?

That's the question many are asking after the team were eliminated from Qatar 2022. Brazil went into the tournament as one of the favourites and started the tournament brightly.

After dancing their way through South Korea in the Round of 16, many expected Brazil to easily make their way into a semi-final clash against Argentina, but Croatia ended that dream.

With their surprise elimination still dominating headlines, the national team are expected to undergo a period of transition.

A new coach

Tire always planned to leave as the national team coach, whether Brazil won the tournament or not. Their defeat in the quarter-final hastened his departure and left the Selecao scrambling for a replacement.

Belgium's World Cup 2022 squad: Who was left out of the Belgium World Cup squad?

Football

His son Matheus and his assistant, Cleber Xavier, are also expected to quit the national team following their elimination.

The Brazilian Football Federation recently stated that they would try and convince Tite to stay on, even if they did lift the trophy, Marca reported.

News has also done the rounds that Manchester City coach, Pep Guardiola, was contacted about the post, Sky Sports reported.

Neymar to retire?

One of the biggest talking points about the Brazilian squad has been centred around whether Neymar has played in his last World Cup for Brazil.

"If I say it's the end, I'd be rushing, but I'm not guaranteeing anything either," the Paris Saint-Germain star said.

Despite the attacking depth that the Selecao possess, Neymar is still a key player going forward and an integral part of the team.

Ageing defenders

The new look Brazil most likely will be without Thiago Silva and Dani Alves. Silva (38) confirmed that he won't be available for the next World Cup, while Alves (39) has yet to consider retirement.

South Korea's World Cup squad 2022: Who's in and who's out?

Football

Despite being stalwarts for the Selecao, the pairing may be past their prime as the new look Brazil will be focused on building for the future.

Trusting their young guns

The inclusion of Gabriel Martinelli over Roberto Firmino raised many eyebrows. The Arsenal star was selected for the tournament but not given much chance to prove himself. Martinelli played just three minutes in Brazil's opening game against Serbia and 18 minutes against South Korea, Transfermarkt confirmed.

He did play 90 minutes against Cameroon but Brazil fielded a much-changed side for that game. With the Selecao battling to score against Croatia, Martinelli wasn't considered a player who could help turn the tide.