Overview
The Brazilian team has gone through a turbulent journey to win a ticket to the 2026 World Cup. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) fell into an internal crisis, leading to a change in the President's position.
On the pitch, the situation was not better when the team went through a qualifying campaign considered the worst in history. Brazil successively lost to Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia, and also suffered a historic home defeat to Lionel Messi's Argentina - Selecao's first home defeat in World Cup qualifying history.
After the 1-4 defeat in Buenos Aires in March 2025, coach Dorival Junior was sacked. There have even been concerns about Brazil's ability to win a ticket to the biggest football festival on the planet. However, the South American regional qualifying format with six direct spots for 10 teams has helped the door to hope still wide open. Belief not only returns to the goal of winning a ticket to participate but also towards success at the tournament, especially after Carlo Ancelotti was appointed in May 2025.
Brazil entered the World Cup with the intention of operating a 4-2-4 formation, a tactical system that Ancelotti has prioritized since taking over the team. However, the Italian strategist does not have the strongest force at his disposal as some key players such as Eder Militao, Rodrygo and Estevao are injured.
In this system, defensive midfielders play a particularly important role in supporting the defense. The lack of world-class full-backs is also considered a worrying weakness, especially for a football background that has produced names like Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Marcelo or Dani Alves.
Before the announcement of the World Cup attendance list, Neymar's condition was a topic of much interest. Finally, the 34-year-old Santos striker is still named in Ancelotti's list of 26 players.
However, Neymar is currently suffering from a calf injury and is unlikely to play from the beginning of the tournament. He even faces the risk of missing most or all of the World Cup campaign.
Not possessing a true center forward, Ancelotti's Brazil showed in friendly matches with France and Croatia in March that they would rely heavily on fast counter-attack situations, maximizing Vinicius's ability in the way Ancelotti was very successful at Real Madrid.
Coach
Ancelotti has conquered almost every major title in his coaching career. He is considered one of the most successful strategists in football history, with a record of five Champions League titles.
At the age of 66, Ancelotti enters a completely new chapter when leading the Brazilian national team.
Leading the Brazilian national team is a great motivation. I believe this is one of the most important moments in my career" - he shared in 2025.
Ancelotti's start in Brazil was not favorable when the team continuously faced injuries, defeats against Bolivia, Japan and France, and great pressure related to the call-up of Neymar. However, the Italian strategist still maintained his inherent composure.
I am not obsessed with victory. What I have is a passion for enjoying the moments that football brings" - Ancelotti added.
Star
Vinicius has long been considered one of the best players in the world. However, he has not yet been able to recreate the peak form he once showed at Real Madrid when wearing the national team jersey.
Up to now, Vinicius has made 47 appearances for Brazil, scoring 8 goals and making 7 assists. The 2026 World Cup is considered an opportunity for him to affirm his position and become the leader of Selecao.
If Vinicius focuses entirely on football, he is the best player in the world. But that is not easy because he always faces provocations" - Casemiro said in 2025.
Notable faces
Endrick is gradually finding himself again. Not being favored by Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid, this young striker moved to Lyon on loan in January and quickly impressed with 12 contributions to goals after 17 matches in Ligue 1.
Ancelotti immediately called up Endrick in March and this player made his mark in the 3-1 victory over Croatia. After coming on as a substitute, he scored 2 late goals to help Brazil close the match convincingly.
Although not sure to have a starting spot right from the beginning of the tournament, Endrick can completely become a factor to make a difference in Brazil's journey.
The silent hero
In the journey to make Arsenal a leading force in England and Europe, Gabriel Magalhaes has affirmed his position as one of the best center-backs in the world.
At the World Cup, attention can be focused on the goals of Raphinha or Vinicius, or Alisson's saves. However, Brazil's success will depend a lot on Gabriel's ability to maintain solidity in the defense.
