Lula Mocks Brazil Stars After Early World Cup Exit

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has criticized national team players for not returning home after their round-of-16 loss to Norway.

• Brazil lost 2–1 to Norway on July 5, 2026, exiting the World Cup in the round of 16.
• Lula said only defender Danilo returned to Brazil with the coaching staff; the rest went on holiday.
• Lula told coach Carlo Ancelotti he should sign a robot that "looked like Mbappe and Haaland," saying it would win the World Cup for Brazil.
• Lula earlier accused Neymar of "working remotely" during the tournament.