Think of the FIFA World Cup and the first name that comes to the mind in Brazil. Five-time winners of the coveted trophy, the ‘Selecao’ have easily been the most dominant country in the tournament. However, they last won the World Cup in 2002, and since then their best finish was the fourth place in 2014 on home soil, when plenty expected them to end the drought. 

Under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil are hoping to rediscover their glory days. Traditionally, the Brazilian team was well renowned for their flair called ‘ginga’. They had some of the most talented footballers in the world, including the likes of Pelé, Garrincha, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Kaka, and Cafu, among many other legends. 

The current crop is undoubtedly very talented; the Selecao have a perfect mix of youth and experience. The Brazilian fans will expect their team to lift the 2026 World Cup crown, and Carlo Ancelotti will have a huge task at hand to fulfil the hopes of a football crazy nation. 

Best Player – Vinícius Júnior (Winger, Real Madrid)

While Vinícius Júnior only has 8 goals in 45 caps, there is no doubting the talent that the winger possesses. The 25-year-old is capable of changing games within a few moments, although he certainly has to make a step up when it comes to playing for Brazil. 

He is the Brazilian with the most goals + assists (21) in Europe’s top five leagues during the ongoing 2025/26 season. But the World Cup is an entirely different ball game, and the winger will have to be more consistent with his output. Vinícius is capable of breaking down opposition defences with his dribbling, but he will have to improve his finishing. 

Brazil at the World Cup

Brazil are the most successful team in the history of the World Cup, with five titles and the only team to win the coveted trophy in back-to-back editions. The Selecao won their first title in 1958, buoyed by the 17-year-old Pelé. 

The Golden generation defended the World Cup in 1962, before winning a third title in 1970. Romário led the Brazilian team to their fourth title in 1994, before Ronaldo starred at the 2002 edition. 

• First World Cup: Uruguay 1930
• Last World Cup: Qatar 2022 (quarter-finals)
• World Cup appearances: 22 (played in all World Cups)
• Current run of successive qualifications: 23 (since 1930)
• As World Cup hosts: 1950 (runners-up), 2014 (fourth place)

Head Coach

Carlo Ancelotti became Brazil’s head coach in 2024, after his successful stint with Real Madrid. He is set to become the only non-Brazilian coach to lead the Selecao in the World Cup. The Italian has taken up an international coaching role for the first time in his career, having won league titles in all of Europe’s top five leagues. 

However, he will know what it means to be a coach at the international stage, the legendary coach was the assistant to Arrigo Sacchi in 1994 when Italy finished runners-up behind Brazil in 1994. 

Players to Follow

• Alisson (Goalkeeper, Liverpool)

One of the best goalkeepers on the planet, Alisson, is capable of building up play from behind and is also very good at shotstopping. He will be the undisputed starter in goal. 

• Marquinhos (Centre-back, PSG)

Marquinhos is the most-capped player in this starting XI, representing Brazil 103 times since his international debut in 2013. 

• Bruno Guimaraes (Midfielder, Newcastle United)

The 28-year-old is one of the most dynamic box-to-box midfielders in the world. Bruno has played in every match under Ancelotti, and he will be Brazil’s midfield lynchpin. 

• Vinícius Júnior (Left-winger, Real Madrid)

Ancelotti has won plenty of trophies with Vinicius during their Real Madrid stint. The winger will be the focal point of Brazil’s attack. 

• Rodrygo (Right-winger, Real Madrid)

9 goals in 37 appearances for Brazil do not justify Rodrygo Goes’ talent. Capable of playing as a striker as well, the 25-year-old will hope to wreak havoc alongside Vinícius.

• Raphinha (Attacking-midfielder, Barcelona)
  Enjoying the best spell of his career, Raphinha scored 34 goals last season and finished second in the Ballon d’Or rankings. 

Qualification Path to World Cup 2026

Brazil qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing in the top six of the CONMEBOL (South American) qualification standings, securing one of the direct berths available. After a slow start, Brazil solidified their position with key results, including a 1-0 win over Paraguay in June. They did lose to Uruguay, Argentina and Colombia along the way, but finished fifth in the CONMEBOL qualifiers. 

Team Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths: Brazil are traditionally known for their attack, and this time the onus will be on Raphinha, Vinícius Júnior and experienced players like Casemiro. In Marquinhos and Alisson, they have two of the best players in their respective positions. Carlo Ancelotti has won everything at club level, and his experience will be crucial at the international stage as well. 

Weaknesses: For a while now, Brazil have struggled to produce a world-class goalscorer. Neymar may even fail to make the cut for the World Cup squad given his injury woes. Matheus Cunha is a decent player, but the likes of Raphinha and Vinícius will have to up their goal-scoring exploits. 

Facts / Trivia

• Brazil is the only nation to win a World Cup on four different continents: Europe (1958), South America (1962), North America (1970, 1994), and Asia (2002).

• Following the devastating 1950 home World Cup loss (known as the Maracanazo), Brazil switched from their traditional white kit to the current yellow, green, and blue design. 

• Norway is the only team that has played against Brazil (at least twice) and has never lost to them. 

Conclusion

Once known as the undisputed kings of the sport, Brazil haven’t won a World Cup since 2002. The Brazilian team is definitely brimming with talent, but their defence will be put to the test against the likes of England, Spain and Argentina. It’s hard to see Brazil win the 2026 World Cup, but they definitely can pack a punch.