When were Brazil last eliminated in the World Cup group stages?
Brazil have a long-standing association with the World Cup as one of the most iconic nations to compete for the famous trophy.
The Selecao have produced many of the greatest footballers to ever walk the earth and a lot of those stars enjoyed success on the biggest stage in world football.
However, while Brazil remain one of the most successful sides in World Cup history, there have been years where games haven't quite gone to plan.
When were Brazil last eliminated in the World Cup group stages?
Brazil are one of the biggest established global forces in international football and their record at the World Cup backs that up. They have consistently reached the knockout stages in the modern era, though the Selecao have endured four unsuccessful tournaments since their last victory in 2002.
However, their record in the group stage remains excellent. They haven't lost a game in the first phase of a World Cup since 1998, when they were surprisingly beaten 2-1 by Norway on the final matchday of the group.
In total, Brazil have been knocked out of the World Cup at the first group stage on three occasions. The last time was in 1966, during England's victorious campaign when Brazil finished third in Group C following defeats to Hungary and Portugal. The South Americans had won the previous two tournaments and were among the favourites with stars like Pele, Garrincha and Jairzinho in their squad.
That Brazil side would put things right four years later as their star-studded lineup thrilled audiences in Mexico and around the world, beating Italy 4-1 in the final.
The only two other occasions where Brazil failed to progress came in the 1930 and 1934. A loss to Yugoslavia saw Brazil finish behind the Europeans in the former, while the latter saw them exit to Spain at the round of 16 stage in a single-elimination tournament format. They had qualified for the finals having not played any games due to the withdrawal of their opponents.
How many times have Brazil won the World Cup?
Brazil are the most successful side in men's World Cup history, winning the tournament five times in total. Pele announced himself to the world with two goals in the 1958 final against Sweden before the Selecao retained their title four years later in Chile.
The 1970 success was arguably the most iconic in Brazil's history, beating sides like then holders England, Peru and Uruguay before smashing Italy 4-1 in Mexico City.
Brazil had to endure 24 grim years before getting their hands on the trophy again. The Azzurri again suffered in the final as the South Americans triumphed 3-2 on penalties after a goalless game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
They were beaten finalists in 1998 as France came out 3-0 victors in the final, but in 2002 Ronaldo vanquished his demons by leading Brazil to seven wins from seven games, scoring twice in the final against Germany.
- 1958
- 1962
- 1970
- 1994
- 2002
Brazil at the 2022 World Cup so far
Brazil won't exit the 2022 World Cup at the group stage, having qualified for the last 16 ahead of their final Group G game against Cameroon.
Tite's side were made to work hard in their first outing by Serbia before Richarlison netted a late double, while there was more drama against Switzerland as Casemiro scored an 83rd-minute winner.
They will likely be crowned group winners on the final matchday, which would set up a clash against the runners up from Group H. Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea all remain in contention for that qualification spot behind likely group winners Portugal.