Following Brazil’s shocking elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an old viral moment from Qatar 2022 has resurfaced, with many supporters jokingly blaming a “cat curse” for the Seleção’s continued heartbreak.
Brazil’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup has reignited one of the country’s strangest football superstitions.
Following the Seleção’s elimination against Norway in the Round of 16, thousands of fans on social media began reviving the so-called “cat curse”—a viral theory linked to an incident that took place during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The story dates back more than four years.
During a press conference ahead of Brazil’s quarterfinal against Croatia at Qatar 2022, a stray cat jumped onto the table where Vinícius Júnior was speaking. A member of Brazil’s media staff picked up the cat and tossed it off the table, a gesture that immediately sparked criticism online.
Just days later, Brazil was eliminated by Croatia in a dramatic penalty shootout, ending another World Cup campaign in disappointment.
Now, after another painful exit—this time under legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti—many Brazilian supporters have humorously connected the two events.
Comments across social media platforms have suggested that Brazil has never recovered from that moment.
“Ever since we mistreated that cat, everything has gone wrong,” wrote one fan beneath a post about Brazil’s elimination, echoing a sentiment that quickly spread across thousands of reactions.
The superstition has also gained traction among rival supporters, particularly in Argentina, where fans have revived the infamous remark reportedly made by the Brazilian media official after throwing the cat aside: “That’s how you deal with cats, right?”
Although Brazil’s football federation moved quickly in 2022 to calm the controversy—and veterinary authorities stated there was no evidence the animal had been abused—the episode has remained part of World Cup folklore.
As an additional goodwill gesture at the time, members of Brazil’s delegation even adopted the cat and named it “Hexa,” referring to the nation’s dream of winning a record sixth FIFA World Cup.
That dream, however, remains on hold.
With Brazil now suffering another early elimination, some supporters see the “curse” as an amusing explanation for a series of frustrating World Cup disappointments.
Others have even pointed to cultural symbolism, noting that cats hold a respected place in Islamic tradition and recalling that the Prophet Muhammad is traditionally associated with his beloved cat, Muezza.
Of course, there is no evidence linking Brazil’s football results to the incident.
The resurgence of the “cat curse” is simply another example of how football supporters often turn to myths, rituals and superstition in search of explanations for heartbreaking defeats.
For Brazil, however, the real challenge remains far more practical: rebuilding a team capable of ending its World Cup drought and finally bringing home a long-awaited sixth title.
