As five-time champions, Brazil needed no introduction at the 2026 World Cup. Under Carlo Ancelotti, they were ready to write the next chapter.
Brazil haven't won the World Cup since 2002 a quarter-century drought would be the longest in their history. A series of coaching experiments (Tite, Fernando Diniz, Dorival Júnior) culminated in the appointment of former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti in 2024, the first non-Brazilian to coach the Seleção. The squad is built around Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Raphinha, and midfield veterans Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães, with Endrick as the attacking wildcard.
Brazil emerged from the group stage unbeaten, showing resilience in a tough opening round. They edged past Japan in the Round of 32, and were narrowly knocked out by Norway in the Round of 16. The narrowest of defeats against Norway ended what had been a promising tournament run.
3won1drawn1lost
10scored4conceded
3 consecutive wins scored in every match.
Vinícius Júnior, 25, enters the tournament as a two-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid and a 2024 Ballon d'Or runner-up. He is the first Brazilian to carry this level of individual expectation into a World Cup since Ronaldinho in 2006. Vinicius Jr led Brazil's attack with 4 goals at the 2026 World Cup.
Conceded in only 3 of 5 matches
The 66-year-old Italian became Brazil's first foreign head coach in May 2024. Ancelotti holds five UEFA Champions League titles and has won the top flight in all five of Europe's major leagues. His calm, player-driven leadership style is a conscious departure from recent more tactically prescriptive Brazilian coaches. Leading Brazil at his first World Cup 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss under Ancelotti.
