Striker Igor Thiago detailed his recent months in an exclusive conversation, expressing feelings about his time at the 2026 World Cup with the Brazilian team, which ended disappointingly. The event took place on September 1, 2026.

The player’s arrival at the global tournament was met with great anticipation, driven by an exceptional season at Brentford, where he scored 25 goals and provided an assist in 40 appearances, earning him a place in the 2025/26 Premier League squad.

Consequently, Igor started the opening game against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, under worldwide attention. However, his performance fell short of expectations, and he was replaced in the 17th minute of the second half by striker Luiz Henrique.

After the substitution, the center forward did not play again in the World Cup, remaining on the bench until the team’s elimination to Norway, in the round of 16 stage.

When asked about the good and bad moments experienced during the World Cup, the player, whose training took place at Cruzeiro, described the FIFA championship as an experience that “expanded his perspective” in different ways.

“It was a crucial moment for my professional career. It broadened my perception on several fronts and showed me, above all, what I can do most effectively to help the national team and what I need to develop to remain part of this context”, said Igor Thiago, who scored one goal in three matches for Brentford in the 2026/27 season.

“The experience was excellent, allowing me to create good connections, like with Rayan and Endrick. I understand that the national team must preserve this atmosphere of satisfaction and agreement. Without a doubt, it represented a significant learning experience for my career and an experience that will remain in my memory”, added the athlete.

Asked about what improvements he could have implemented during the World Cup, Thiago reflected on the strong pressure exerted on Brazilian players, both by fans and the media.

According to the attacker, the national team would currently find itself in a “more favorable scenario” if there weren’t so many “excesses” in charges.

“I think that too much of everything is harmful… For this reason, I tried to maintain serenity throughout the World Cup. If I made a mistake, it would be my fault; if I got it right, so would the recognition. With time and accumulated experiences, I understood that what really matters is preserving the lessons and good memories”, said the player in a reflective tone.

“What was not good, we should leave behind and try to live a more peaceful way. I believe that, if the context were a little different, especially with regard to pressure, we would be in a more advantageous position. The Brazilian public imposes a great burden on issues that are often unnecessary”, he expressed his opinion. This type of intense and often disproportionate demand is a persistent characteristic in national football, impacting several talents that emerge for the national team.

“If we put aside so many complaints about details and gave more support to what truly matters, we would be in a much more positive situation. That’s my opinion”, defended Igor.

Then, Igor expressed his feelings about the severe criticism he received after the match against Morocco.

The striker highlighted that he did not have much contact with the “outrage” of fans and reporters, as he remains away from social media, and emphasized that his presence in the Seleção was not “the result of chance”.

At 25 years old, he declared himself prepared for a recovery and stated that the 2026 World Cup represents just the “beginning of a promising trajectory” for the Brazilian team.

To support his position, he mentioned examples of other renowned athletes, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane, who established themselves in their respective national teams after gaining greater experience.

“In fact, I’m not aware (of the criticism), as I don’t access social platforms and it doesn’t bother me much. If people comment about me, it reflects more what they think than my own perception”, said the player firmly.

“My arrival at this point was not by chance. I earned my place with work and dedication. I did not enter the national team due to someone else’s interference; it was the result of my effort and commitment. I believe that it was God who led me there. Therefore, I have always been calm and at peace with the situation”, he continued.

“I was also convinced that I did not usurp someone else’s place. I achieved my own position in the national team. This aspect gave me great peace of mind throughout the time I was present”, he pointed out.

“I’m twenty-five years old. Just look at renowned strikers, like Harry Kane, in his early thirties, and Cristiano Ronaldo, close to forty. Over time, they transform into distinct athletes, with more experience, which I’ve also noticed in myself since my first call-up”, compared the center forward.

“I consider that this is just the beginning of a promising journey that awaits me wearing the Seleção shirt”, he concluded.