Brazil ready for the Longines League of Nations™ 2026
As the Longines League of Nations™ enters its third edition in 2026, Brazil returns to the world’s premier team Jumping series, reclaiming its position among the top 10 ranked nations and standing out as the only Southern-hemisphere contender in this elite line-up. After featuring in the inaugural 2024 season, Brazil secured the final qualifying spot for 2026 by finishing 10th in the Longines League of Nations™ Ranking, edging ahead of Sweden to earn its place in the series once again.
Brazilian Jumping boasts a rich competitive heritage, highlighted by strong performances on the global stage, including a notable fourth-place finish at the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final 2023 in Barcelona (ESP) that also clinched the nation’s qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Their return to the Longines League of Nations™ reflects sustained international progress and reinforces Brazil’s commitment to high-performance Jumping as it prepares to contest legs across four continents in 2026.
We spoke to Brazilian Chef d’Équipe Pedro Paulo about the upcoming series.
Brazil is returning to the Longines League of Nations™ series for 2026 after an excellent performance in 2025. What does it mean to your nation and team to rejoin the series this year, and how does it impact equestrian sport in your country?
Brazil’s return to the Longines League of Nations™ in 2026 represents a significant milestone for the country’s equestrian sport. After sustained efforts and strong performances, rejoining the series places Brazil once again among the world’s leading Jumping nations, reinforcing its competitive credibility on the international stage.
Beyond results, participation in the Longines League of Nations™ has a broader impact domestically. Competing consistently against the top teams in the world brings visibility to the sport, strengthens its structure, and serves as a powerful source of motivation for young athletes. The series provides positive exposure for equestrian sport in Brazil, and encourages new generations to aspire to high-performance pathways.
Can you share some insights as to what Brazil is hoping to bring to the Longines League of Nations™ in 2026, what their aim is for this year in the series, and how the team is preparing to achieve this?
Brazil approaches the 2026 season with a strategic balance between major international objectives. The Longines League of Nations™ and the FEI Jumping World Championships are treated as complementary priorities, with the Longines League of Nations™ playing an important role in the overall preparation process.
The team’s planning focuses on careful management of athletes and horses, alignment of competition schedules, and building depth within the squad. The objective is to remain competitive throughout the Series, while using it as an essential step in performance consolidation and experience-building ahead of the FEI Jumping World Championships.
Brazil comes to the Longines League of Nations with great motivation to compete and learn. For our team, being part of the LLN is a valuable opportunity to face the best in the world, gain experience, and keep improving. The series is very important for the growth of our team and for the development of Brazilian equestrian sport.
Can you share any advice or words of encouragement for young athletes who aspire to represent their nation in international equestrian events like this one?
For young athletes, the key message is to stay focused on clear, progressive goals. Studying the sport, observing top-level competitions such as this, and learning from the world’s best athletes are essential parts of development.
Whenever possible, attending events in person, observing warm-up arenas, analysing course designs, and understanding preparation routines provide valuable learning opportunities. Following and being inspired by role models within the sport can also offer important guidance, reinforcing that long-term commitment and clarity of purpose are fundamental to reaching elite level.
How does your team plan to maintain a balance between consistency and integrating new talent for success in the Longines League of Nations™?
Balancing experienced athletes with emerging talent is a central pillar of Brazil’s long-term strategy. While senior riders provide stability and leadership, younger athletes are progressively integrated into the high-performance environment.
This is achieved by maintaining close contact with emerging combinations, involving them in training opportunities and development camps, and continuously monitoring their progression. The U25 category is considered the immediate future of the team, and investing in this group ensures sustainability and continuity at the highest level of the sport.
Are there any interesting traditions or rituals your team follows for good luck or team cohesion?
The Brazilian team is known for valuing a relaxed yet focused atmosphere. One informal tradition is the selection of a song for each event, chosen by the riders to represent that particular competition.
That song often becomes part of the team’s routine, played while preparing in the stables. It helps create unity, reinforce team spirit, and maintain a positive mindset throughout the event, offering a small glimpse into the team’s culture behind the scenes.
In Rotterdam, Team Brazil has never claimed the top step of the podium in the Nations Cup. Their most recent appearance in Rotterdam dates back to 2014. On an individual level, Brazilian riders have enjoyed greater success: father Nelson and son Rodrigo together won the Grand Prix titles in 1966, 1998 and 2002.