Netflix Unveils First Look at 1970 World Cup Miniseries Featuring Pelé

A new fictional miniseries chronicling the legendary Brazilian national team’s journey to their third World Cup victory is coming to Netflix in 2026. Here is everything we know so far about Brazil 70, which is getting a significant push by Netflix, even in English-speaking countries, akin to Netflix’s Senna series back in 2024.

The project, produced by the acclaimed O2 Filmes (City of God), dives deep into one of the most significant moments in sports history. Set against the backdrop of the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, the series explores the immense pressure faced by legends like Pelé and the political turmoil of the era.

When was the project unveiled?

The project has been in development for some time. It was officially unveiled to the public on February 25, 2025. On that date, Netflix and O2 Filmes announced their partnership to dramatize the “Saga do Tri” (The Saga of the Third Title). Later that year, in July 2025, Netflix and local reporting confirmed the casting of Rodrigo Santoro, Bruno Mazzeo, and Lucas Agrícola, with filming commencing in locations across Brazil and Mexico.

What is the plot of Brazil 70?

While the 1970 Brazilian squad is widely regarded as the greatest football team of all time, their path to victory was marked by internal conflict and external pressure. The miniseries is described as a “deep dive” into the players and the technical commission’s fears and challenges.

The official synopsis reads:

“Brazil 70 captures the national team’s emotional journey, where the fears and challenges of legends like Pelé met the immense pressure of a country at a historic crossroads.”

Worth noting that the story takes place during the harshest phase of Brazil’s military dictatorship. The narrative will balance the on-field brilliance of the “Beautiful Game” with the off-field tension as players find themselves representing a fractured nation under the regime’s watchful eye.

Who is in the cast?

Br70 101 Selecaobrasileira As00943 V2B Crop R Credito Alexandre Schneider Netflix.jpg

BRASIL 70. Caio Cabral as Carlos Alberto, Luan Henrique as Brito, Hugo as Félix, Gabriel as Piazza, Leo as Clodoaldo, Mateus as Everaldo, Val Perré as Mário Américo, Gui Ferraz as Jairzinho, Fillipe as Gerson, Ravel as Tostão, Lucas Agrícola as Pelé, Daniel as Rivellino in Brasil 70. Cr. Alexandre Schneider/Netflix © 2025

Netflix has assembled a massive ensemble cast to portray the football icons and political figures of 1970. The three leads are:

Rodrigo Santoro (Westworld) as João Saldanha — The controversial, outspoken communist coach who assembled the team but was fired before the tournament.
Bruno Mazzeo (Cilada) as Mário Zagallo — The coach who took over the reins and led the squad to glory.
Lucas Agrícola as Pelé — The King of Football, facing doubts about his physical dominance and his future in the sport.

The Players

Rounding out the legendary squad are:

Gui Ferraz as Jairzinho (The Hurricane)
Ravel Andrade as Tostão
Caio Cabral as Carlos Alberto Torres (The Captain)
Daniel Blanco as Rivellino
Fillipe Soutto as Gérson
Hugo Haddad as Félix
Victor Salomão as Dadá Maravilha
Maicon Rodrigues as Paulo Cézar Caju

Supporting Cast

Marcelo Adnet as Eusébio Teixeira
Val Perré as Mário Américo (The Masseur)
José Beltrão as Carlos Alberto Parreira (Physical Trainer)
Lara Tremouroux as Rosa
Bruna Mascarenhas as Rosemeri

When will Brazil 70 release on Netflix?

Brazil 70 will be released globally on Netflix in 2026.

While a specific month has not been confirmed, the release is expected to build hype for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The series is directed by Pedro Morelli and Paulo Morelli, with Quico Meirelles also directing episodes. It was created by Naná Xavier and Rafael Dornellas, who serve as writers alongside Felipe Sant’Angelo.