Brito, who helped Brazil conquer the 1970 FIFA World Cup Mexico™, has passed away aged 86. He had been hospitalised for a week with complications due to pneumonia. The centre-back made his Brazil debut in 1964 and made one appearance, against Portugal, in the global finals two years later. Brito then played every minute of every game as ‘The Beautiful Team’ won Mexico 1970 in style. He became the seventh member of Mario Zagallo’s squad to pass away following Everaldo (1974), Fontana (1980), Felix (2012), Joel Camargo (2014), Carlos Alberto (2016) and Pele (2022).
Brazil will open their World Cup 2026 account against Morocco at New York New Jersey Stadium on Saturday.