Brazil are the only team to have played in every World Cup and are the tournament's most decorated side with five titles. Yet they have now gone a full 24 years without lifting the trophy, with recent disappointments ranging from a traumatic 7-1 home loss to Germany in 2014 to a penalty shootout defeat to Croatia in the 2022 quarterfinals.
Brazil come into this World Cup as one of the least fancied Brazilian sides of all time, but their relative underdog status could free them to make use of their still sublime talents. They are led by great coach Carlo Ancelotti, who brings an impressive European pedigree after winning five Champions League trophies and league titles in all five of Europe's top five leagues. However, he remains unproven at international level, and results so far have been mixed with friendly wins over Colombia and Chile but a 2-1 defeat to France in March.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr is Brazil's most potent attacking weapon with his pace, trickery and goal threat. He scored 16 goals in La Liga this season but has only eight goals in 43 appearances for the national team. Ancelotti has moved him from the left wing to play as a central striker, which can limit his space and defensive contribution. But when on form, Vinicius is almost unplayable.
Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has not played for the national team since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023, followed by several other issues. From 2015 to 2025, he reportedly endured at least 33 injuries and missed almost four years of football. Despite this, Ancelotti named him in the World Cup squad, saying: "We evaluated Neymar throughout the year and noticed that recently he has been playing consistently and has improved his physical condition." However, Neymar has recently been involved in controversies, including slapping a teammate and refusing to leave the pitch after being substituted.
Brazil boast serious attacking talent beyond Vinicius and Neymar: Raphinha arrives high on confidence after a sensational season at Barcelona, while Gabriel Martinelli, Endrick and Matheus Cunha provide depth. Injuries to Rodrygo and Estevao are big blows. In midfield, Bruno Guimaraes and Casemiro offer experience, while the defence is marshalled by Marquinhos in front of world-class goalkeeper Alisson.
Brazil are in Group C alongside Morocco, Scotland and Haiti. Morocco, semifinalists in 2022, will provide a stern test in the opener on June 13. Brazil should prove too strong for Scotland and Haiti and top the group if they beat the Atlas Lions. Their group matches: June 13 vs Morocco (East Rutherford), June 19 vs Haiti (Philadelphia), June 24 vs Scotland (Miami).
Experts predict Brazil will reach the quarterfinals. Despite their talent and a first-class manager, Brazil's flaws and their rivals' strengths are likely to prove decisive.
Source: www.aljazeera.com