Author: Shreyas Sharma
The Brazilian national soccer team is excited about preparing for the first round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers under the leadership of coach Fernando Diniz. After a lively training session in Belém, the team is looking forward to facing Bolivia on Friday, September 8, at 9:45 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Mangueirão Stadium.
Casemiro’s praise for Diniz’s philosophy:
After training on Wednesday, the captain of the Brazilian team, Casemiro, expressed his enthusiasm for coach Fernando Diniz’s approach. At a press conference in the Mangueirão press room, Casemiro highlighted the squad’s joyful experience under Diniz’s guidance. He mentioned that Diniz’s philosophy revolves around the joy of playing soccer, emphasizing the pleasure and enthusiasm the players feel on the pitch.
Casemiro made it clear that the players have accepted Diniz as coach for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers, making any speculation about Carlo Ancelotti taking over in 2024 seem inappropriate and disrespectful. He stressed the importance of respecting the coach in charge, just as they did with interim coach Ramon Menezes.
Gabriel Jesus joins the team:
During training, the Brazilian team welcomed the arrival of Gabriel Jesus, who had only landed in Belém on Tuesday night. With the addition of the player, coach Diniz now has a full squad of 23 players for the upcoming games against Bolivia and Peru.
Alisson’s stellar form:
One of the team’s star players, Alisson Becker, arrives in Belém in high spirits after an impressive start to the season with Liverpool. His decisive saves have contributed significantly to Liverpool’s good run in the Premier League, where they currently occupy third place in the standings. Alisson’s performance has been crucial, with only three goals conceded in four games, making Liverpool’s defense one of the best in the league.
Alisson expressed his happiness at being part of a team that places great importance on defensive solidarity and team effort. He attributed his defensive success to cohesive teamwork and praised the quality of Liverpool’s players.
Alisson’s commitment to the national team:
This is Alisson’s second call-up after the World Cup, the first of which was marked by a finger injury. Despite the setback, Alisson remains committed to representing his country and expressed his honor at wearing the national team shirt. He acknowledged the transition to Fernando Diniz’s style and emphasized the need for the team to adapt quickly to his ideas as they embark on a new cycle of international competitions.
Danilo on Neymar:
National team veteran, right-back Danilo, has played for Selesao for 12 years. The journalists were interested to know what he thought about Neymar’s return: “I spoke to him about Neymar at lunchtime, we’ve been playing together since 2010, and since then I’ve heard ‘Neymar, where are you, I came here just to see you’ outside hotels, so everyone wants to see Neymar play. He likes to play ball, he finishes training, he’ll dribble, he’ll shoot, his place is on the pitch and his home is the national team, which is where he feels best.”
Note that Danilo and Neymar played together for Santos in 2010-2012. At the same time, the striker made his debut for the national team in August 2010, a year before the defender.
Preparing Brazil for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers:
While the Brazilian national team prepares for the World Cup qualifiers, it is united under coach Fernando Diniz’s philosophy of playing with joy. Team captain Casemiro made it clear that Diniz is their chosen leader and that they are fully committed to his vision.
Note that in the part of Wednesday’s training session that the press were able to watch, the players were divided into the following groups:
- Group A: Wanderson, Ibanez, Nino and Renan Lodi; Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, Neymar, Rafinha, Rodrigo and Richarlison.
- Group B: Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Cayo Enrique; Casemiro, André and Rafael Veiga; Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Matheus Cunha.
With the addition of Gabriel Jesus and the excellent form of players like Alisson, Brazil are ready to face Bolivia in their opening match. The players are eager to contribute to a successful start to the qualifiers and ultimately secure their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.