The Brazilian team had the worst 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in history, only ranked 5th in CONMEBOL with 28 points after 18 matches.
Selecao lost both at home and away to arch-rivals Argentina, suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat at Estadio Monumental, leading to the sacking of coach Dorival Junior. They also lost to Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay and Bolivia.
However, the hope of reaching the 2026 finals is still there when Carlo Ancelotti takes office. Despite many difficulties, Brazil still qualified thanks to a goal difference, firmly in the top 6, 8 points ahead of Bolivia.
This journey is reminiscent of the 2002 World Cup qualifiers in Korea and Japan, when Brazil won 30 points but still continued, thanks to the superior strength of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo under the leadership of coach Luis Felipe Scolari. This summer, when the World Cup takes place in the US, Canada and Mexico, Ancelotti is expected to create similar attacking power.
This time, Brazil does not have outstanding individuals like the 3 stars mentioned above, but they still have a superior attack. The proof is the victory that destroyed South Korea 5-0 in the most recent friendly match, with Estevao Willian and Rodrygo each scoring twice, while Vinicius also shined.
Defensively, Brazil still have some weaknesses to overcome. However, if Ancelotti finds a reasonable balance at the top, these limitations can be completely resolved. The fear that Brazil once created is gradually returning, along with the "joga bonito" style that has helped Selecao outperform over the years.
The combination of Vinicius, Raphinha and Estevao promises to be a fear for all defenses, while Rodrygo is the first choice from the bench. The trio brings a perfect combination of speed, quirkiness and sharpness, along with Richarlison always ready to finish.
Brazil's midfield is also full of power with outstanding individuals: Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton (Newcastle), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham), Casemiro - a former student of Ancelotti at Real Madrid - and promising young talents such as Andrey Santos and Joao Gomes. In addition, Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal) is always a danger from set pieces, giving Brazil more attacking options than any other team participating in the 2026 World Cup.
Another advantage is that Ancelotti is not bound by any fixed tactical system, giving him flexibility in managing a squad of quality players.
"I don't want my teams to have a clear identity. attack, drop deep, press high or defend low - there are many ways to succeed.
After 40 years, I still don't know the perfect strategy, but I know that it all depends on the players you have. And I want to do that for Brazil, gather them for one goal: win the World Cup," Ancelotti said at his first press conference after it was announced by the CBF in June.
No coach in the world is better than Ancelotti in creating a winning spirit or managing a dressing room with many classy players and a big ego. With extensive experience from AC Milan to Real Madrid, his achievements have proven his ability. And it would be no surprise if Ancelotti becomes the first foreign coach to lift the prestigious gold trophy with Selecao.
