Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison is currently navigating one of the most challenging periods of his career. With his club enduring a dismal run of form and languishing in the Premier League relegation zone, his spot on the Brazilian national team for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup is in serious jeopardy.
Despite being left out of manager Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for recent March friendlies against France and Croatia, the 28-year-old remains fiercely determined. In fact, he already knows exactly what he plans to do if “Carletto” decides to give him the call.
During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Richarlison featured in four of Brazil’s five matches. However, the tournament was marred by off-pitch distractions. The forward recently admitted that heavy social media use and external drama severely impacted his mental focus on the sport’s biggest stage.
“I had to deal with family and personal issues that affected my concentration,” Richarlison confessed in a recent interview with France Football (via Olé).
To ensure history doesn’t repeat itself, the Spurs attacker has made a striking vow—an idea originally suggested to him by veteran teammate Casemiro. “If I play in the next World Cup, I’ll leave my phone at home,” Richarlison stated, eager to keep all external problems completely off his radar.
Richarlison’s track record for the Seleção is nothing to scoff at. The dynamic forward has earned 54 caps for Brazil, tallying 20 goals (including three spectacular strikes at the last World Cup) and eight assists across friendlies, World Cup qualifiers, and Copa América appearances. At the club level, he has recorded 10 goals in 37 appearances for Tottenham this season.
The tension is mounting as Ancelotti is scheduled to announce his final World Cup roster on May 18. Richarlison isn’t the only big name sweating over his inclusion, as Brazil’s all-time top scorer, Neymar, is also considered a doubt due to lingering fitness concerns.
Despite his current domestic struggles, Richarlison is still dreaming of traveling to the United States, Mexico, and Canada to help Brazil secure their elusive sixth World Cup title.
Should he make the cut, he will join a Brazilian squad headlining Group C. Their quest for the trophy will kick off against Morocco on Saturday, June 13, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. They will then travel to Philadelphia to face Haiti on Friday, June 19, before concluding the group stage against Scotland at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Wednesday, June 24.
