Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has sharply criticized the United States’ plan to impose a 20 percent tariff on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the move as an act of piracy. Speaking in São Paulo on Monday, Lula said that such actions would once have been called piracy and argued that a major power like the United States, long seen as opposing piracy, should not now become one itself.

Lula’s remarks came after the administration of US President Donald Trump announced the tariff plan targeting vessels using the Hormuz Strait, one of the world’s most vital energy transport routes. Massive volumes of crude oil and fuel products pass through the strait daily, making it a key artery for global energy trade.

The Brazilian leader’s comments suggest that his government views the unilateral trade measure as a troubling signal for international maritime commerce and free trade norms.

Brazil’s hopes of winning a sixth World Cup title ended in disappointment after a dramatic round of 16 defeat to Norway. The South American giants, who entered the tournament with high expectations, were eliminated following two goals from Norwegian striker Erling Haaland. The loss extended Brazil’s wait for another world title to 28 years. The team’s campaign was marred by injuries to key attackers, including Rodrygo, Estevão, Raphinha, and Lucas Paquetá, leaving Vinícius Júnior to shoulder much of the attacking responsibility. Despite scoring four goals and providing one assist in five matches, the Real Madrid forward could not prevent Brazil’s early exit.

Four days after the defeat, Vinícius posted an emotional message on Instagram, apologizing to fans for the team’s failure. He described representing Brazil as his greatest pride and expressed deep disappointment at the elimination. He said he had prepared intensely and wanted to win the World Cup for supporters and his family. Vinícius promised to keep fighting to make Brazil world champions again.

The post reflected the ongoing frustration of Brazil’s long wait since their last World Cup triumph in 2002, leaving fans hopeful for a future resurgence.

Brazil has been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the round of 16. Following the early exit, speculation arose about the future of Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti. However, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that it retains full confidence in Ancelotti and intends to keep him in charge until the 2030 World Cup, as originally planned.

CBF executive director Rodrigo Caetano stated that there is no plan to dismiss the coach in haste, emphasizing that Ancelotti was appointed as part of a long-term project. After concluding his tenure at Real Madrid in 2025, Ancelotti took over Brazil’s national team late in the qualifying campaign. Although the team showed gradual improvement during the tournament, it faltered in its first major knockout test against Norway.

Despite the disappointment, CBF aims to focus on rebuilding the team in a calm environment. Caetano praised the squad’s effort and progress under Ancelotti over the past 38 days, while the coach himself vowed to start anew and continue pursuing success with Brazil.

Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. announced his retirement from international football after Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in New Jersey. The forward, who scored Brazil’s only goal from a penalty in added time, broke down in tears at the final whistle. Speaking to broadcaster GE TV, Neymar said his journey with the national team had come to an end, marking the close of a significant chapter in his career.

Neymar first joined the Brazil national team in 2010 under coach Mano Menezes and played in four World Cups—2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026. Despite winning the Confederations Cup and Olympic gold, he never managed to lift the World Cup trophy. His farewell came 16 years after his international debut, on the same U.S. soil where his journey began.

As Brazil’s all-time top scorer and one of the defining figures of his generation, Neymar’s departure marks the end of an era for the Seleção and leaves a lasting legacy in Brazilian football.

Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. took a playful jab at German economist Joachim Klement after Brazil’s unexpected victory contradicted Klement’s mathematical prediction that the team would be eliminated by Japan in the ongoing World Cup. Klement, known for accurately forecasting the last three champions using a four-pillar economic model, saw his predictions falter when both Brazil and his favored Netherlands defied expectations on the same day. Following these results, Neymar posted teasing messages on social media platform X, telling Klement to try again in the next World Cup and commenting “wrong again” after the Netherlands’ loss.

Klement’s model is based on four factors: a country’s GDP, population size, average temperature, and fan presence in stadiums. He argues that these variables influence football success by reflecting infrastructure, talent pool, climate suitability, and psychological support. However, Brazil’s 2–1 win over Japan, sealed by Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal, demonstrated the unpredictability of football beyond mathematical equations.

The incident highlighted the limits of statistical forecasting in sports, showing that real matches can overturn even the most data-driven predictions.

Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bangladeshi fans for their enthusiastic support during the ongoing World Cup. Despite Bangladesh not participating in the tournament, the country’s football fans have drawn global attention through their celebrations after every Argentina and Brazil match. Their viral displays of passion have reached the dressing rooms of both Latin American football giants.

Following Brazil’s dramatic 2–1 comeback victory over Japan in the round of 32, Alisson told broadcaster T Sports that he had seen videos of Bangladeshi supporters and thanked them for their love, saying Brazilians love Bangladesh in return. Midfielder Casemiro also conveyed his appreciation to Bangladeshi fans in the mixed zone after the match. Their messages have sparked renewed excitement among Brazil supporters in Bangladesh.

The mutual admiration between Bangladeshi fans and Latin American football stars has turned this World Cup into a deeply emotional experience for football enthusiasts in Bangladesh, even without their national team on the field.

Brazil advanced to the Round of 16 of the World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan in Houston on Monday. Despite trailing 1-0 at halftime, the five-time world champions fought back with goals from Casemiro and substitute Gabriel Martinelli, whose stoppage-time finish sealed the win. Japan had taken an early lead in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano’s low shot from outside the box.

Brazil dominated possession and created several chances throughout the match. After the break, coach Carlo Ancelotti introduced young forward Endrick, who energized the attack. Casemiro equalized in the 56th minute with a header from a Gabriel cross, and Brazil continued to press for a winner. In added time, Martinelli converted a precise through pass from Bruno Guimarães to secure Brazil’s progression.

With this result, Brazil confirmed their place in the last 16, where they will face the winner between Norway and Ivory Coast. Japan, despite a spirited performance, exited the tournament after conceding late.

Brazil will face Japan today in the World Cup knockout stage at Houston’s NRG Stadium, with major attention on whether Neymar will start. Coach Carlo Ancelotti and media reports suggest the forward, returning from a calf injury, is unlikely to be in the starting lineup. Instead, Ancelotti plans to retain almost the same eleven that defeated Scotland 3–0 in the group stage.

Neymar missed Brazil’s opening matches against Morocco and Haiti due to injury but played the final 15 minutes against Scotland as a substitute. Ancelotti said Neymar’s condition has improved and he could play longer against Japan, though he gave no assurance of a starting role. Local and European analysts believe the coach will avoid risks, keeping Neymar on the bench until he is fully match-fit.

Brazil are expected to play in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with young forward Rayan likely replacing the still-injured Raphinha. Ancelotti emphasized that Japan cannot be underestimated, recalling a 3–2 loss to them in a friendly last year, and said his team is ready for extra time or penalties if needed.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar will not start in the upcoming World Cup round of 32 match against Japan in Houston at 11 p.m. Bangladesh time. Although Neymar has recovered from injury and shown improvement over the past week, Ancelotti said the forward is not yet ready to play a full match. The coach emphasized that Neymar could play more than 15 minutes, but his exact playing time will depend on the match situation.

Neymar had been sidelined for 981 days due to a right calf injury and missed Brazil’s first two World Cup matches. He returned as a substitute in the group stage match against Scotland, where he showed glimpses of his old form. Ancelotti stated that he plans to use Neymar’s experience and creativity as a late-game advantage rather than taking early risks.

Ancelotti also warned that Japan is one of the world’s best teams and said Brazil is approaching the match with a final-like mindset. He reminded his players to be mentally strong and ready for any scenario, including extra time or penalties.

Brazil will play their final Group C match against Scotland on Wednesday at Miami Stadium, starting at 4 a.m. Bangladesh time. Although the team has already secured a place in the knockout stage, their focus now is on finishing as group leaders. Both Brazil and Morocco have four points after two matches, with Brazil holding a superior goal difference of +3 compared to Morocco’s +1. If both teams win, goal difference will determine the group winner.

Historically, Brazil has dominated Scotland, winning eight of their ten previous encounters, with two matches ending in draws. According to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, coach Carlo Ancelotti is not planning major changes to the lineup that defeated Haiti. Bournemouth’s young forward Ryan may replace Raphinha in the starting eleven after being seen training with the main squad.

Neymar Jr., recovering from injury, will not start but could appear as a substitute. Midfielders Casemiro and Douglas Santos will need to avoid yellow cards to remain eligible for the knockout round.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar is ready to return in the team’s final group stage match against Scotland at the World Cup. The 34-year-old forward, who had been sidelined with a calf injury, has not played in Brazil’s first two matches. Ancelotti said Neymar will train separately before rejoining the full squad and is expected to be fit for the upcoming match in Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on June 24.

Neymar’s inclusion in the World Cup squad had drawn criticism due to his long injury layoff and recent poor form. Despite his absence, Brazil’s attack has performed strongly, with Vinícius Júnior scoring and assisting in the 3–0 win over Haiti, while Matheus Cunha netted twice. Vinícius and Cunha currently lead Brazil’s scoring chart in the tournament.

If Neymar returns as planned, Brazil could enter the knockout stage with added strength and depth, boosting their bid for a sixth world title.

Brazil earned a comfortable 3-0 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia to stay alive in the World Cup group stage. Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha scored twice, while Vinícius Júnior added another goal before halftime. The result lifted Brazil to the top of Group C, while Haiti became the first team to be eliminated from the tournament.

After drawing with Morocco in their opening match, Carlo Ancelotti’s side faced criticism but responded with a controlled and attacking display. Cunha opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when a deflection off a Haitian defender sent the ball into the net. He doubled the lead from a rebound after a save by Haiti’s goalkeeper Johnny Placide, and Vinícius made it 3-0 from a long pass by Lucas Paquetá.

Haiti’s Ricardo Adé came close with a header, but Brazil’s goalkeeper Alisson denied him. Ancelotti’s attacking concerns eased as Cunha’s movement and link-up play created more space for Vinícius and Raphinha. Brazil now lead Group C on goal difference ahead of Morocco and will face Scotland next, while Haiti exit after two defeats.

Brazil will face Haiti on Saturday in Philadelphia in a crucial World Cup group-stage match starting at 6:30 a.m. Bangladesh time. The encounter marks Haiti’s return to the World Cup after 52 years, turning their long-standing admiration for Brazil into direct competition. Ranked 82nd by FIFA, Haiti faces the sixth-ranked five-time champions in what is expected to be a challenging test.

Brazil, coming off a draw against Morocco, is eager to regain form after struggling with high-pressing opponents. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has worked to fix issues in midfield creativity and defensive stability. Neymar’s participation remains uncertain, leaving Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha to lead the attack. Brazil must win to strengthen its position for the next round.

Haiti, relying on physical strength, speed, and counterattacks, plans to defend deep and exploit set pieces. Despite lacking big-match experience, the team hopes to surprise Brazil. Historically, Brazil has dominated all three previous meetings, including a 7–1 victory in the 2016 Copa América.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi delivered a standout performance at the 2026 World Cup, scoring a hat-trick against Algeria to lead his team to a commanding victory. The feat brought him level with Miroslav Klose’s record for most goals in World Cup history. Following the match, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva humorously remarked in Geneva that he was considering signing Messi to play for Brazil, a comment that quickly drew attention given the historic rivalry between the two footballing nations.

Lula’s lighthearted statement reflected the admiration Messi’s current form has inspired even among rival supporters. Meanwhile, Brazil began their own World Cup campaign with a 1–1 draw against Morocco, a result Lula downplayed by noting that Spain had also drawn with Cape Verde. For Messi, this tournament marks his sixth World Cup appearance, equaling the record held by Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa.

Argentina’s next match in Group J is scheduled against Austria on June 22, where Messi and his team aim to secure a place in the knockout stage.

Brazil received a major boost ahead of their second group-stage match at the World Cup, as star forward Neymar Jr. returned to light training after recovering from injury. The team, based in Philadelphia, is preparing to face Haiti following a draw against Morocco in their opening match. With qualification for the knockout stage at stake, Brazil are determined to secure a win in this crucial encounter.

Although Neymar has resumed running and ball work at the base camp, the medical team has advised caution. The coaching staff is reluctant to rush him back into competitive action, prioritizing his full recovery over immediate participation. As a result, Brazil are planning their strategy for the Haiti match without their key player.

The match, scheduled for early Saturday morning, will be decisive for Brazil’s position in Group C. The coaching team is expected to rely on other attacking players to fill the gap left by Neymar’s likely absence.