During an event at the Palácio do Planalto that featured World Cup champions and was organized by FIFA, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reflected on the political atmosphere surrounding Brazil's hosting of the 2014 World Cup, particularly the emotional trauma of the national team's unprecedented 7-1 defeat. Lula emphasized the need to remember this loss not only as a sporting failure but as a representation of the nation's struggles at that time, including significant accusations of corruption directed towards the government of then-President Dilma Rousseff and state administrations involved in the World Cup's preparations.

In his speech, Lula was vocal about his critique of the corruption narrative that emerged during the 2014 World Cup, suggesting that it tarnished the event and showcased Brazil's governmental woes. He mentioned, "We must redeem ourselves from what happened in 2014; it was embarrassing," signaling a desire to shift focus from past failures towards future victories, particularly with regard to women's sports. He outlined the importance of celebrating the women's national soccer team and expressed hope that their potential success in the upcoming World Cup would offer a fresh start for Brazil's reputation in football.

Lula's remarks resonate on multiple levels as they link historical sporting events to contemporary social issues, particularly the empowerment of women in sports. By advocating for recognition and success in women's soccer, the president not only seeks a sporting redemption but also aims to promote broader societal change, emphasizing the importance of women's contributions in all arenas. This ambition aligns with ongoing global movements advocating for gender equality.