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Brazil Wasted No Time Firing Manager Tite After Its Brutal Quarterfinal Loss To Croatia At The FIFA World Cup

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It was once again not meant to be for Brazil and superstar Neymar at the FIFA World Cup. The Brazilians, who have won a record five World Cups, suffered a brutal 7-1 hammering at the hands of Germany on home soil in the 2014 semifinals.

That drubbing led to the firing of manager Luis Felipe Scolari. Two years later, Brazil named former Corinthians manager Tite its new man in charge.

After winning its group in 2018, Brazil could only make the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Belgium, which entered that tournament ranked No. 1 in the world.

This time around, it was all set up for the Brazilians. The team that many considered the most talented in the tournament easily won its group. Brazil then breezed past South Korea, 4-1, in the round of 16 and looked so good that even the manager was dancing after goals.

That set them up with a quarterfinal date against defending tournament runner-up Croatia. Brazilian fans were feeling great ahead of the showdown. But the match ended up tougher than many expected. The teams went to extra time before a Neymar goal appeared to win it for the Selecao.

But it wasn’t to be. Instead, Croatia responded with a late equalizing goal to send the match to penalty kicks.

In penalty kicks, the Croatians were nearly perfect, while the Brazilians stumbled. Croatia made all four of its penalty kicks while Brazil missed one and had another saved to send the Croatians to the semifinals.

It was yet another World Cup failure for Brazil, and it didn’t take long for a scapegoat to emerge.

Brazil Fires Manager Tite After Yet Another World Cup Disappointment

Less than an hour after the final whistle blew and the Brazilian dream ended, soccer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Tite had managed his last match for the country.

Most international managers don’t get a second World Cup cycle. But it’s rare to see a manager removed so shortly after dropping out of the tournament.

As for the Brazilian team. It will look to regroup ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America with young stars Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo and Richarlison likely to lead the way.