As the 2026 World Cup commences in North America, the Brazilian national team finds itself in an unfamiliar predicament. The five-time winners, historically among the top contenders, are currently viewed as something of an unknown quantity, raising doubts about their potential to secure a sixth title on US soil, 32 years after their last triumph there.
Brazil's journey to this tournament has been marked by a concerning decline in form since their last World Cup victory in 2002. This period includes the infamous 7-1 semi-final defeat at a home World Cup in 2014 and a talented squad's quarter-final exit on penalties to Croatia in 2022. The subsequent 2024 Copa America saw them lose in the quarter-finals, and a dire World Cup qualification campaign led to manager Dorival Junior's dismissal in March 2025 after a 4-1 loss to Argentina, sparking fears of non-qualification.
In a drastic move to reverse their fortunes, Brazil appointed Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti in May 2025, making him the first permanent foreign manager in the team's history. Ancelotti, who was an assistant coach for Italy during the 1994 final where Brazil defeated them, successfully navigated the team through the CONMEBOL qualifiers, securing fifth place with a 1-0 win over Paraguay on 10th June.
However, performances since securing qualification have remained mixed. Victories against Paraguay and a weak Chile side were interspersed with draws against Ecuador and Tunisia, and losses to Bolivia and Japan. A 2-1 defeat to France in March, their only match against top-tier opposition, highlighted a tactical approach that seemed to accept a 'lower' status, relying heavily on counter-attacking football.
Concerns over the team's setup persist, particularly in midfield. A recent 6-2 friendly win against Panama saw Casemiro and Guimaraes occasionally isolated in a 4-2-4 formation. Ancelotti, who had previously advocated for a four-forward system, has since admitted the need for greater compactness and improved defensive solidity, indicating the challenges he faces in gelling the squad.
The current generation of Brazilian players faces the immense pressure of living up to the legacy of past heroes like Romario, who famously led them to victory in 1994. With an unprecedented run of six World Cups without a win looming, the tournament will test whether Ancelotti can mould this uncertain squad into a cohesive unit capable of challenging for the sport's ultimate prize.