Real Betis Star Antony Struggles as World Cup Hopes Fade

Manager Manuel Pellegrini addresses the Brazilian winger's alarming dip in form

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:23pm

A fragmented, geometric painting in vibrant colors depicting a soccer player's movements, conceptually representing the difficulties Antony is facing in his recent performances.A cubist interpretation of a Brazilian soccer player's struggles, reflecting the challenges facing Real Betis star Antony as he fights to regain his form and secure a spot on the national team's World Cup roster.Seville Today

Brazilian winger Antony has been struggling with his form for Real Betis, failing to inspire the team during a 0-0 draw against Espanyol. The 24-year-old was substituted by manager Manuel Pellegrini, who addressed Antony's concerning lack of production in recent matches as the 2026 World Cup in the United States approaches.

Why it matters

Antony was expected to be a key player for the Brazilian national team at the upcoming World Cup, but his current slump in form raises questions about his chances of making the squad. Real Betis' inability to find consistent offensive production from one of their top players is also a concern for the club as they fight for a European spot in La Liga.

The details

Antony, a 24-year-old Brazilian winger, has struggled to find his form in recent matches for Real Betis. In the team's 0-0 draw against Espanyol, Antony failed to make an impact and was substituted by manager Manuel Pellegrini. Pellegrini acknowledged Antony's concerning lack of production, stating that the player needs to regain his confidence and rhythm in order to earn a spot on Brazil's World Cup roster.

  • Antony produced another flat performance this weekend during Real Betis' 0-0 draw against Espanyol.

The players

Antony

A 24-year-old Brazilian winger playing for Real Betis who is facing an alarming dip in form as the 2026 World Cup approaches.

Manuel Pellegrini

The manager of Real Betis who addressed Antony's concerning lack of production in recent matches.

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What they’re saying

“Antony needs to regain his confidence and rhythm in order to earn a spot on Brazil's World Cup roster.”

— Manuel Pellegrini, Real Betis Manager

What’s next

Antony will need to find his form quickly in the remaining matches of the La Liga season if he hopes to secure a place on Brazil's World Cup squad.

The takeaway

Antony's alarming dip in form for Real Betis raises concerns about his chances of making Brazil's World Cup team, as the talented winger struggles to recapture the consistency and production that made him a promising prospect for the national team.