On May 29, 2026, Netflix released Brazil '70: The Third Star, a five-episode sports series chronicling the Brazilian national team's jouney to their 1970 World Cup victory in Mexico. the series focuses on the challenges faced by Pelé and coach João Saldanha, including political pressure from the Brazilian dictatorship, and arrives just days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins with an opening match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11.

João Saldanha's Outspokenness Against the Brazilian Dictatorship

According to Netflix's description, the series begins months before the 1970 tournament, when journalist and coach João Saldanha (played by Rodrigo Santoro) takes over the national team. saldanha convinced a hesitant Pelé to return, but his vocal criticism of the Brazilian military dictatorship soon put him at odds with authorities. The source reports that Saldanha's outspokenness led to his dismissal and replacement by fellow legend Mário Zagallo.

This political subplot adds a layer rarely seen in standard sports documentaries. As the source notes, the series shows Saldanha recruiting a powerhouse squad only to be removed before the tournament, leaving Zagallo to implement his own grueling regime in Mexico.

Pelé's Reluctance and the Pressure of a Third World Cup

The series highlights Pelé's initial hesitation to join the team, a detail that underscores the immense pressure on the player who would become the first to win three World Cups. According to the source, Pelé had endured disappointment in 1962 (injury) and 1966 (group-stage exit), and his fear of failure is dramatized through Lucas Agrícola's performance.

Pelé's eventual triumph and his teammates' struggles with Zagallo's intense training form the emotional core of the series. The soucre notes that the episodes depict the team arriving in Mexico, bonding on and off the pitch, and ultimately securing Brazil's third star.

A Five-Episode Countdown to the 2026 World Cup

The release timing is no coincidence: with less than two weeks until the 2026 World Cup opener, Brazil '70: The Third Star serves as a historical primer. The upcoming tournament is jointly hosted by Mexico, the same nation that hosted the 1970 event. The source reports that buzz is already high, with World Cup songs going viral and fans eager for the first round.

By linking the two Mexican-hosted tournaments, Netflix offers viewers a narrative bridge from the political struggles of 1970 to the modern-day stakes of 2026. The series, created by Naná Xavier and Rafael Dornellas, features a cast including Bruno Mazzeo as Zagallo and Gui Ferraz as Jairzinho.

What the Series Leaves Unclear About Saldanha's Ousting

While the source emphasizes that Saldanha's dismissal was tied to his opposition to the dictatorship, the series does not provide a full account of the political machinations behind his removal. Was the pressure from the military direct or indirect? Did other players face repercusisons? The source does not address these specifics, leaving room for historians to debate the extent of government interference.

Additionally, the series is a dramatization — as the source notes, acctors portray real figures — and viewers may wonder how much creative liberty was taken with historical events. Without a documentary-style disclaimer, the line between fact and fiction remains blurry.