Brazil’s 2026 World Cup campaign has stumbled out of the gate. The five-time champions opened Group F play with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland on June 25, then eked out a 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia on June 30, according to official FIFA match reports.
As of July 4, Brazil sits second in Group F with 4 points from two matches. Switzerland leads the group with 7 points after wins over Saudi Arabia and South Korea. South Korea is third with 3 points, and Saudi Arabia is last with 0 points, per FIFA’s published standings.
Brazil’s final group-stage match is against South Korea on July 7. A win would secure top spot in the group and a potentially easier round-of-16 opponent. A draw or loss could leave Brazil in second or third place, depending on the result of the other Group F match between Switzerland and Saudi Arabia.
The team’s sluggish start has left its path to a sixth World Cup title uncertain. Brazil has not lifted the trophy since 2002, and its performance in this tournament so far has fallen short of pre-tournament expectations.
The South Korea match on July 7 will determine whether Brazil advances as group winner or faces a more difficult knockout draw. The match outcome will shape the team’s route through the round of 16 and beyond.
