2026 World Cup: Lula criticizes Brazilian players who went on holiday after their elimination

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva did not hide his annoyance after the Seleção's early elimination from the 2026 World Cup. While visiting São Paulo, the head of state made numerous ironic remarks about Carlo Ancelotti's men, particularly regarding their return home.

Eliminated by Norway (2-1) in the round of 16 on July 5, Brazil exited the tournament prematurely. But it wasn't just the defeat that prompted Lula's reaction. The president was particularly surprised that the majority of the international players had chosen to go directly on vacation rather than return to Brazil.

During a visit to the Mauá Technological Institute, Lula recounted having spoken with Italian national team coach Carlo Ancelotti. In a deliberately mocking tone, he remarked that the coach had "left with a whole group and returned alone," alluding to the fact that very few players had flown back to Brazil.

Continuing in the same vein, the president lamented that the return flight was practically empty. According to him, only one international player made the trip, while the others opted to go directly to their holiday destinations. He added that if the Seleção had won the World Cup, the celebrations in the country would have been entirely different.

According to several Brazilian media outlets, Danilo was the only player to return to Brazil immediately. The Flamengo defender came back alongside the coaching staff and several representatives of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), while his teammates took advantage of the end of the season to go on vacation abroad. The federation had, in fact, allowed each player to choose their own plans after the elimination.

Lula didn't stop there. During the same visit, he discovered a robot developed by a student at the institution. Amused by its performance, he took the opportunity to take another jab at the Seleção.

"This robot is aggressive; it reminded me of Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland," he joked to reporters. Seeing the machine strike the ball with power, he added, addressing Carlo Ancelotti: "If you're looking for reinforcements, sign this robot. Maybe it will win the next World Cup in Brazil."

These latest statements further illustrate the sometimes strained relationship between Lula and the national team. Just a few days earlier, the president had already criticized Neymar, arguing that the striker hadn't had enough of an impact on Brazil's performance during the 2026 World Cup.