World Cup 2026: Brazil face uphill battle in quest for sixth crown in North America

Brazil will head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup aiming to reclaim football’s biggest prize, but questions surrounding the squad’s consistency and overall balance suggest the five-time world champions could face a difficult path in North America.

The Selecao remain the most successful nation in World Cup history and will make a record 23rd appearance at the tournament. They are also the only country to have participated in every edition of the competition since its inception in 1930.

With the World Cup returning to North America for the first time since 1994, many Brazilian supporters will be hoping history repeats itself. Brazil lifted the trophy in the United States in 1994 before claiming their fifth and most recent title in 2002. Since then, however, the South American giants have endured a 24-year wait for another world crown.

Despite their rich history, Brazil’s road to the 2026 tournament was far from convincing. The team finished fifth in the South American qualifying standings, securing one of the automatic qualification spots but struggling to display the dominance traditionally associated with the Selecao.

A new era has begun under Carlo Ancelotti, who became the first foreign coach to lead Brazil at a World Cup. Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished managers in football history, the Italian brings vast experience from his successful spells in club football. However, the World Cup will represent his first major tournament as a national team head coach.

Ancelotti’s biggest challenge will be creating a cohesive unit capable of competing with the tournament favourites. While Brazil possess quality across the pitch, there are concerns about whether the current generation can match the standards set by legendary teams of the past.

Much of Brazil’s attacking responsibility will rest on the shoulders of Vinicius Junior. The winger remains the team’s standout star and will be expected to reproduce the form that has made him one of the world’s most dangerous attackers. Having worked closely with Ancelotti at club level, the 25-year-old could benefit from the coach’s arrival as Brazil seek greater attacking fluency.

Brazil have been drawn in a group alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland. Their campaign begins against Morocco on June 14 before fixtures against Haiti and Scotland. On paper, the Selecao possess enough quality to advance to the knockout stage, but sterner tests are expected to follow.

While Brazil will always be considered contenders due to their pedigree and wealth of talent, the 2026 World Cup may prove to be one of their most challenging title bids in recent memory. Success will depend on how quickly Ancelotti can mould his squad into a team capable of delivering on football’s biggest stage.

Brazil 2026 World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, Weverton

Defenders: Alex Sandro, Gleison Bremer, Danilo, Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhães, Ibañez, Léo Pereira, Marquinhos, Wesley

Midfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Fabinho, Lucas Paquetá, Danilo Santos

Attackers: Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Neymar Jr, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, Rayan