President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva asked the Brazilian national football team to play with “alma,” or soul, in their World Cup opening match [1].
The message connects the national team's performance to the psychological state of the country. Lula said a victory would lift the morale of Brazilians, specifically citing the needs of adolescent girls and boys who need a win [1].
In a broadcast from the presidential office addressed to coach Carlo Ancelotti, the president emphasized that the team must think of the Brazilian people [1]. He said the lack of this sentiment is the primary issue facing the squad. “The main problem with the national team is that it lacks soul, it lacks that feeling of playing for Brazil,” Lula said [1].
Lula said that this emotional connection to the fans is more vital than the players' technical skills. He said it is more important than technique that they play with soul, thinking of a population that is in need of a victory [1].
There are conflicting reports regarding the team's first match. Some sources indicate Brazil will face Morocco [1], while other reports state the opening match is scheduled against Serbia on June 24, 2026 [3]. The president's video message was released on June 13, 2026 [2].
““The main problem with the national team is that it lacks soul, it lacks that feeling of playing for Brazil.””
Lula's intervention highlights the deep intersection of sports and national identity in Brazil. By framing the World Cup not as a tactical competition but as a morale booster for the youth and the general public, the president is leveraging the national team as a tool for social cohesion and public optimism.
