Blessed For Glory? Brazil’s World Cup Flight Gets 'Baptized' During Send-Off | WATCH

Last Updated:June 03, 2026, 09:29 IST

Brazil’s World Cup journey began with a symbolic water-cannon salute in Rio, as Carlo Ancelotti’s squad departed carrying a nation’s hopes of a sixth world title.

Brazil’s World Cup campaign began with a moment that felt more spiritual than ceremonial.

As the aircraft carrying the Brazilian national team slowly taxied down the runway at Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão International Airport, it passed beneath a giant arch of water created by two airport fire engines.

While the aviation tradition is known as an aircraft “baptism", for millions of Brazilians it represented something far more meaningful — a blessing for the nation’s latest quest to reclaim football’s biggest prize.

The striking images quickly spread across social media, capturing the imagination of fans across the country.

The water-cannon salute is a long-standing aviation tradition, often reserved for special occasions such as inaugural flights or milestone journeys. Airport staff coordinated with the Brazilian Football Confederation to organise the tribute before departure.

In symbolic terms, the ritual is believed to bless both the aircraft and its journey, with many supporters hoping it can bring luck to a team carrying the weight of enormous expectations.

No nation in football history boasts a richer World Cup pedigree than Brazil. The Seleção remain the only team to have appeared in every FIFA World Cup and the only nation to have lifted the trophy five times.

Yet despite their historic dominance, Brazil have not been world champions since 2002 — a drought that now stretches 24 years.

That burden will fall on the shoulders of a talented squad led by veteran forward Neymar, who has been included despite managing a muscle injury in the lead-up to the tournament. The team also features attacking stars Vinicius Jr and Raphinha, two players expected to play key roles in Brazil’s title challenge.

Under new head coach Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil begin their Group C campaign against Morocco at New York New Jersey Stadium before facing Haiti in Philadelphia and Scotland in Miami.

About the Author

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

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