Human Data survey shows a 258% increase in Brazilians’ interest in choosing the national team’s players
The list of the Brazilian National Team coach, for the 2026 World Cup, was approved by 3 out of every 4 Brazilians connected to the internet. This is what a survey of the a company that works with data, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital culture, released this Tuesday (May 19, 2026).
According to the study, carried out from May 15th to 18th, the day of the call-up, 74% of fans agreed with the names announced by the coach. The research analyzed the expectations and repercussion of the final list on portals, digital environments and social networks, such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X.
Compared to the last World Cup, held in 2022 in Qatar, Brazilian interest increased by 258%. The call reached a peak of 633,000 mentions on the various platforms monitored.
He was the athlete who most engaged the public on social networks, with 225,000 mentions in the period. The player concentrated the greatest expectation on whether or not Ancelotti would be on the list for the World Cup.
According to the research, the posts with the highest engagement were videos with children reacting emotionally and festively to the moment in which the coach announced the name of the Santos striker in the squad.
The volume of mentions to Neymar was almost 11 times greater than the 20,519 references to do (Spain). Also attacker do (France), was another name that was widely discussed – according to the study, 22% of the public approved the athlete’s call-up.
“The research shows how the Brazilian team continues to mobilize the country in a unique way, awakening positive and negative feelings”, said , executive director of Human Data.
“This year’s call-up, in fact, became one of the most mentioned in history on social media, going beyond the football bubble and gaining relevance in different spheres of society”, Ereno said.
“For brands, there is a huge opportunity to participate in these conversations in real time, regardless of whether or not they are official sponsors of the World Cup or the Brazilian team.”, he added.
This text was originally published by , on May 20, 2026. The content is free for republication, citing the source, and was adapted to the standard of Poder360.
