The 2026 FIFA World Cup is still two years away, but as the beautiful game’s continental showdowns wind down, it’s clear that several heavyweights must improve before the tournament kicks off.
In Europe, UEFA Euro 2024 has reached its semifinal stage, and any one of Spain, France, England, and the Netherlands will be crowned champions on July 14th in Berlin. Across the pond, Copa America will conclude on the same day, and current world champions Argentina as well as Canada, Colombia, and Uruguay all harbor very real hopes of being crowned champions of the Americas.
However, while those eight teams have impressed en route to the latter stages of their respective tournaments, these three teams most certainly have not. They must improve over the next two years to avoid embarrassment on the global stage.
Brazil
Brazil entered Copa America as perennial favorites but in an unusual position. Two of the country’s greatest-ever players, namely Ronaldinho and Ronaldo – two men who were crucial to the country’s fifth World Cup triumph in 2002 – both spoke out about how they have fallen out of love with the Selecao.
The former of that duo announced on Instagram that he wouldn’t be supporting the team at the showdown this summer, while the latter stated that he finds watching them boring, instead preferring to watch tennis.
Despite boasting an array of talent, including Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, and teenage sensation Endrick, Brazil’s shocking quarter-final exit to Uruguay exposed systemic issues. Since that famous 7-1 drubbing at the hands of Germany a decade ago, the Brazilian defense has been traditionally solid. That was the case once again this summer, however, their traditional samba flair has seemingly evaporated,
Their midfield lacked creativity and control. The duo of Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paqueta have shone in the Premier League, but they have been unable to shine in the famous yellow of their national team. Linking play between defense and attack was often stagnant for two playmakers of their quality, and they will be looking over their shoulders over the next few months hoping that they aren’t dropped from the squad.
Elsewhere, the aforementioned Vinicius has perhaps been the best player on the planet over the last 12 months, helping Real Madrid to a La Liga and Champions League double. Los Blancos have been made +300 second favorites in the latest odds for sports betting at Bovada to retain their European crown next term, and their superstar winger is crucial to their short odds. But he has been unable to shine internationally.
Much of the blame for that must lie with manager Dorival Júnior, and the 62-year-old must adapt his tactics to exploit the team’s attacking talents better. While Brazil remains a force, relying solely on individual brilliance won’t suffice.
A more cohesive and fluid approach, akin to their famous ‘Jogo Bonito’ style, could be the key to unlocking their full potential. And if they don’t find a way to do that in the coming months, then further embarrassment could be in the cards at the next World Cup.
Italy
Italy has failed to qualify for the last two FIFA World Cups, firstly losing to Sweden to miss out on Russia in 2018, before falling at the hands of North Macedonia four years later. That makes their triumph at UEFA Euro 2020 – delayed until the summer of 2021 – all the more surprising. At the recent Euro 2024, they were disappointing once again, stumbling through the group stage before surrendering their title with an impotent 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the Round of 16.
Once heralded for their tactical prowess and defensive solidity, the Azzurri now face an identity crisis. For years, their defense was a cornerstone of their success, but now it is no more.
Veterans like Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini have sailed off into the sunset and they have been replaced with the likes of Alessandro Bastoni and Gianluca Mancini. While they have impressed at the club level, they are yet to display their brilliance on the international stage.
But even more worrying for manager Luciano Spalletti is his side’s toothless attack. Former hitman Ciro Immobile is now 34 and past his best, while mercurial winger Lorenzo Insigne left Serie A for a move to the MLS.
Italy hasn’t been able to produce replacements for either of those two, and it doesn’t look as though any talented youngsters are coming through the ranks either. As such, another World Cup of hurt could be on the cards, provided they even manage to qualify.
USA
The USA is due to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, just as they have done with this summer’s Copa America. However, if the ongoing tournament is anything to go by, the Stars and Stripes could be in for a dismal time. They were eliminated at the group stage after losing to both Panama and Uruguay, and manager Gregg Berhalter is surely now on borrowed time.
The Americans certainly have an impressive squad, with the likes of Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams all regularly featuring in Europe’s top leagues. But unfortunately for them, their manager’s negative approach is clearly not working. The only way this USA team will improve is if the 50-year-old boss departs and a new manager takes over.