Fifa World Cup 2026: What you need to know about Brazil

Get the lowdown onevery team at the 2026 World Cup. Here we take a closer look at five-time former winners Brazil.

What can I expect from Brazil?

In 2022, Brazil entered this tournament as the highest-ranked team. But despite their big billing they exited at the quarter-final stage.

This year they arrive as the world's sixth-best side, their lowest-ever ranking prior to a World Cup since Fifa began compiling their list in 1992.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti knows he must find the correct blend between defence and attack.

A 4-2-4 formation left the midfield exposed in the recent friendly with Panama, so expect him to instead pivot to a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1.

"I have a very talented squad," said the Italian. "I'm convinced we're going to have a great World Cup."

What are Brazil's strengths?

Creating chances and scoring goals is unlikely to be an issue and only a handful of teams can boast a better array of attacking talent.

They have a strong spine and are blessed with two elite centre-backs.

Brazil's head coach is an all-time great and his man-management skills and fluid tactical style could prove decisive.

And what about their weaknesses?

Brazil are the only South American side at this World Cup who suffered six defeats in qualifying – to put that into context, they only lost five qualifying games over the past 20 years combined.

They appear to lack the necessary depth in central midfield and some critics believe their squad is unbalanced.

How might Brazil line up?

Which players should I look out for?

Carlo Ancelotti's decision to include Neymar sparked global headlines. "He might play; he might not; he might be on the bench and come on," said the Italian. Brazil's record goalscorer is a generational talent and - despite recent injury concerns - he could make a meaningful contribution, even in brief cameos.

Casemiro remains a vital cog in this side. But the 34-year-old could struggle if he is forced to anchor the midfield in a 4-2-4 formation.

Vinicius Junior has been accused of underachieving at international level despite being involved in five of Brazil's seven goals in Qatar. If anybody can push him to reproduce his club form in a Brazil shirt then it's his former Real Madrid coach.

Who is Brazil's head coach?

Carlo Ancelotti will become the first foreign coach to take charge of the Selecao at a World Cup.

He is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in the history of the game, an opinion cemented by the fact he is the only manager to win league titles in each of Europe's top five divisions and five Champions Leagues.

The charismatic Italian extended his Brazil contract for another four years in May, taking his reign up until the next global tournament in 2030.

How did Brazil qualify?

Brazil kept up their record of playing at every World Cup but did not qualify with their usual swagger. Instead they finished fifth in the South American table and lost six matches.

Where can I watch Brazil?

All of Brazil's matches will also be covered live on the BBC Sport website and app with updates, analysis, and fan reaction. Come and be part of it!

Give me a fact to impress my friends

Right back Wesley says he didn't start taking football seriously until he was 17.

Instead, he used to combine playing with a job as a parking attendant at a restaurant.

Five years later and the Roma defender could start for Brazil at a World Cup.

Now give me some proper detail

The World Cup's most successful team are attempting to end a remarkable 24-year drought in this competition. Returning to the scene of former glories could prove the necessary catalyst.

The Selecao emerged victorious the last time the World Cup was held on North American soil. They defeated Italy in a penalty shoot-out 32 years ago and the only member of their current squad who can claim to remember Roberto Baggio's famous miss is third-choice goalkeeper Weverton. He was six at the time.

Their current head coach, however, had a front row seat in Pasadena's Rose Bowl stadium that day.

Carlo Ancelotti was assistant to Italy manager Arrigo Sacchi throughout USA '94 and despite the eventual outcome, he labelled it an "incredible experience".

Ancelotti has gone on to amass 31 trophies during a glittering managerial career, a total which includes five Champions League titles, and his encyclopedic knowledge of European football may help the Brazilians clear one very specific hurdle.

They have exited the World Cup to European opposition in each of the past five editions, a run which includes their humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany on home soil in the 2014 semi-finals.

How have Brazil done at previous World Cups?

The last of Brazil's record five World Cups came 24 years ago, when they beat Germany 2-0 in the 2002 final.

They're the only country to appear at every tournament and their 67% win rate prior to 2026 (76 victories in 114 games) is unrivalled.