How Corinthians looked the last time Brazil won the World Cup | OneFootball

According to Meu Timao, Brazil's bid for a sixth crown in 2026 revives how Corinthians were tied to the 2002 win, via a remarkable week, a renowned coach and three players who became world champions for club and country.

The 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan began on 31 May, days after Corinthians had one of the most memorable weeks in their history.

On 12 May they drew 1-1 with São Paulo in the Torneio Rio-São Paulo decider, but a 3-2 first-leg win clinched a fifth title before the competition was discontinued.

Three days later in the Distrito Federal, a 1-1 draw against Brasiliense, after a 2-1 first-leg victory, secured a second trophy that week and a third Copa do Brasil crown.

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira led those May triumphs and had taken Brazil to the 1994 World Cup, beating Italy in the United States.

Dida, Vampeta and Ricardinho departed for Granja Comary, having already won the 1999 Brasileiro and the 2000 Club World Cup with Corinthians.

Under Luiz Felipe Scolari they lifted the 2002 World Cup against Germany, and, with FIFA running the 2000 Club World Championship, the trio could regard themselves as the first to be FIFA world champions for both club and country.

In 2026 no Corinthians player made Carlo Ancelotti's final Brazil squad, yet Dutch forward Memphis Depay still represented the club and became the 25th to play at a World Cup.

Source: Meu Timao