For a nation that measures success in World Cups rather than qualification campaigns, Brazil enter the 2026 tournament in unfamiliar territory. The five-time world champions are not among the overwhelming favourites, a reflection of recent disappointments and an inconsistent journey through qualification.
Yet writing off Brazil has rarely been a wise move. The Selecao remain one of the most talented teams in world football and arrive in North America with a squad filled with elite performers from Europe's biggest clubs. More importantly, they now have one of the most decorated managers in football history guiding them.
The appointment of Carlo Ancelotti has injected fresh belief into a team desperate to end a World Cup drought that stretches back to their triumph in 2002.
Ancelotti brings experience and calm
The arrival of Carlo Ancelotti represents one of the biggest managerial appointments in Brazilian football history. The Italian became the first permanent foreign coach of the national team and arrives with a reputation built on success across Europe.
Having won league titles in England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France, alongside five UEFA Champions League crowns, Ancelotti's ability to manage star players and high-pressure environments is unquestioned.
His challenge is to mould a talented but inconsistent group into genuine contenders. Results have been mixed so far, but there is confidence that his experience can help Brazil navigate the pressures of tournament football.
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Vinicius and Neymar carry the spotlight
The biggest attacking threat remains Vinicius Junior. The Real Madrid winger continues to be one of the most explosive players in world football, capable of deciding matches through pace, creativity and individual brilliance.
However, questions remain over whether he can replicate his club form consistently in a Brazil shirt. The World Cup offers an opportunity to establish himself as the undisputed leader of the national team.
Alongside him stands the most debated figure in Brazilian football, Neymar. Brazil's all-time leading scorer returns after a lengthy injury struggle and remains one of the tournament's most intriguing stories.
Now 34, Neymar's fitness and influence remain uncertain. Yet Ancelotti believes his experience can prove invaluable. For many Brazilian supporters, the tournament may represent Neymar's final realistic opportunity to win the trophy that has always defined greatness in his footballing homeland.
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Depth could make Brazil dangerous
While Vinicius and Neymar dominate headlines, Brazil possess quality throughout the squad. Raphinha arrives after an outstanding season with Barcelona, while Bruno Guimaraes continues to establish himself as one of the Premier League's finest midfielders.
Young talents such as Endrick and Gabriel Martinelli provide additional attacking options, while veterans Marquinhos and Alisson offer stability at the back.
Brazil's biggest challenge may be consistency. The talent is undeniable, but recent World Cups have exposed vulnerabilities when faced with adversity. If Ancelotti can unite the squad and extract peak performances from his stars, Brazil have enough quality to surprise many observers.
Group C presents a manageable route into the knockout rounds. Morocco will provide the sternest test, while Scotland and Haiti appear less daunting opponents.
Few consider Brazil the team to beat in 2026. That may be exactly the position they need to rediscover their championship identity.
