Brazil’s national team is at the center of a heated debate involving the media, fans, and even political groups, after reports suggested the team's alternate kit for the 2026 World Cup might be red.

Criticism from both sports and politics

It all started with a leak from the site Footy Headlines, claiming that Canarinha will go back to wearing red with black details—something that hasn’t happened since 1917–1919. The Globo group confirmed the news and reported that this new kit would replace the traditional blue and white one, with a launch expected in March 2026.

The CBF hasn’t made any official comments, according to EFE, but the controversy has gone beyond just sports. Right-wing political groups connected to former president Jair Bolsonaro have strongly opposed the idea of the team wearing colors tied to the Workers' Party, led by current president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Congressman Zé Trovão even introduced a bill that would force any official representation of Brazil to stick to green, yellow, blue, and white. “Not our flag, not our uniforms, not a damn thing in our country will be red!” he shouted on social media. His stance was backed by senator Flávio Bolsonaro.

A change that might break the rules?

According to the CBF’s current rules, the kits must follow the national flag’s colors. Exceptions are only allowed for special occasions, like in 2023 when the team wore black in a friendly against Guinea to protest racism. Legendary broadcaster Galvão Bueno also slammed the idea: “It’s a huge insult to the history of Brazilian football,” he said.