Have the 'samba boys' lost their rhythm?

Despite its five World Cups and firmament of stars, Brazil has fallen out of step with its reputation as 'the land of soccer'

SAO PAULO — With its famed "jogo bonito", iconic stars and record five World Cup titles, Brazil has long been known as the "land of soccer".But is it still?

The country of Pele, Garrincha and Ronaldinho, which once wowed the world with its "samba" style, has not won the World Cup since 2002.Nor has it produced a Ballon d'Or winner since Kaka in 2007.

With the "Selecao" currently struggling to book its place at the 2026 World Cup, many in Brazil and beyond wonder why.