After Brazil's Early World Cup Exit, Lula Blasts National Team Over Empty Return Flight

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has strongly criticized members of the national football team after nearly all of them chose not to return to Brazil on the official team flight following the country's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking after the tournament, Lula expressed disappointment over the players' decision, saying the delegation had departed with a full squad but returned with almost no one on board. According to the president, only one player traveled back on the Brazilian Football Confederation's aircraft. "The delegation left with a lot of people and came back with just one. There was almost nobody on the national team's plane. Only one player was on board. If they had won, everyone would have been celebrating here," Lula said. He described the players' actions as a disgrace.