Former Brazilian soccer player Brito has died at the age of 86, the Brazilian Football Confederation announced. The former center back, who was a part of Brazil’s 1970 World Cup-winning team, breathed his last on Thursday (June 11, 2026). The news of Brito’s demise comes just two days before Brazil kicks off its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.Returning to the United States for the tournament, the five-time champions will be looking to replicate their 1994 success, when they captured the World Cup title on American soil. The cause of death was unknown at the time of filing of this report, as no additional details were shared.Drawn into Group C alongside Haiti, Morocco, and Scotland, Brazil will open its 2026 World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13, 2026, at New York/New Jersey Stadium, commonly known as MetLife Stadium.Brito played 61 matches for Brazil’s national team between 1964 and 1972, including an appearance at the 1970 World Cup. During that period, he formed a formidable defensive partnership with Wilson Piazza.“Brito left us as one of the greatest defenders in the history of Brazilian football,” the confederation's president, Samir Xaud, said in a statement, as quoted by news agency AP. “His contribution to the 1970 World Cup victory will be eternally remembered by all of us.”He was also a member of the Brazil squads that won the Copa Roca in 1971 and the Taça Independência in 1972. “I pay my respects to this idol of our country,” Xaud said. “May his fighting spirit be an inspiration to our players who will compete in the World Cup.”Brazil, which has won a record five World Cups, will begin its bid for a sixth title on Saturday against Morocco. Brazil remains the only nation to have competed in every World Cup since 1930.