England have met Brazil on four previous occasions at the FIFA World Cup, and have failed to win each time.
The South Americans have tasted victory in three of the four meetings, the latest in 2002, en route to a record fifth World Cup title in South Korea and Japan.
Brazil also defeated the Three Lions in 1970 and at the quarter-final stage of the 1962 Finals in Chile. The only time England have avoided defeat against the Selecao was in 1958 - a 0-0 draw in Gothenburg, a game in which Bobby Robson, Billy Wright and Johnny Haynes all starred.
Brazil World Cup ad pokes fun at England's 2002 exit
Ahead of the 2026 Finals, Brazilian beer brand Brahma have released an advert promoting the beverage, in which Brazil fans recreate the nation's iconic World Cup moments.
There is a nod to Carlos Alberto's rasping effort against Italy in 1970, Edmilson's bicycle kick goal versus Costa Rica in 2002, Claudio Taffarel's saves and Roberto Baggio's missed spot-kick in the 1994 Final.
In addition to those trips down memory lane, the beer brand has chosen Ronaldinho's audacious lob on England goalkeeper David Seaman as one of the scenes for re-enactment in the ad.
The Three Lions' quarter-final exit, courtesy of Ronaldinho's free-kick, remains one of the Golden Generation's most agonising nearly moments, considering Michael Owen had given England the lead in that particular game, and Sven Goran Eriksson's side played against 10 men for the final 33 minutes.
Brahma's ad also features cameos from Brazil icon Ronaldo, previously the top scorer in World Cup history, as well as national team boss Carlo Ancelotti, who instructs supporters to 'believe'. Oooh.
If England and Brazil do meet at the 2026 World Cup, the likeliest scenario is for them to encounter each other at the quarter-final stage, for a third time in the tournament's history.
Both countries are favourites to win their respective groups, meaning they would face easier Round of 32 and Round of 16 fixtures, in theory. There are other, less likely, scenarios in which the two nations meet in North America this summer, but due to the fact both are on the same side of the tournament bracket, they must face each other at the semi-final stage at the latest, if they are to lift the trophy.
Brazilian beer Brahma have just dropped their World Cup advert featuring Ronaldo and it's NEXT LEVEL advertising. 🇧🇷👏🍻Easily one of the best we'll see. pic.twitter.com/yAj07LZTtsMay 7, 2026
