The five-time World Cup winner, Brazil, is always the favorite at any FIFA World Cup. However, the recent form and 24-year trophy drought are making it difficult for the fans to believe this is their World Cup to win.
Though the Brazilian team is not in form, football is a game of brilliant uncertainty. And anything can happen in football. But if Brazil wins this FIFA World Cup 2026, it will be a miracle considering their strength, form, and confidence level.
Let’s get started on the comprehensive scrutiny of the Brazil team, starting from their qualifying journey to their World Cup history.
Limping into the World Cup: Brazil’s Inconsistent Journey From Latin America
Brazil finished the qualifying round in 5th place among the 10 competing teams from South America. Playing 18 matches, the Selecao collected only 28 points, joint third with Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay. They have collected only 1.56 points per match. The Samba dance could only charm up 8 wins, where the opponent had the better of them on 6 occasions.
Brazil found the back of the net 24 times in these matches, while its rivals found it 17 times. They started their qualifying journey in a great mood by beating Bolivia and Peru, scoring 6 goals in total.
As time passed, Selecao lost its color. They have won only 2 away matches out of 9. They finished their journey with a loss just like their arch-rival Argentina. However, they have won 2 matches of their last 4.
Don Carlo – the UCL boss in the World Cup
Carlo Ancelotti, the veteran coach, upgraded himself from the club level to the national level by joining the Brazilian team as their head coach last May. The five-time UCL winner with tons of experience in Europe’s top five leagues will be seen in the dugout of the five-time World Cup winners this time.
In charge, he managed 10 matches for Brazil, used 51 players, and brought 5 wins. Still a great result considering the current form of the Selecao at that time. He at least stabilized the swinging vessel of CBF.
Which Brazilians Will Have Binoculars Over Them In The World Cup
The struggling Brazil will be in their midfield. They do not have an experienced midfield to battle and orchestrate the game for 90 minutes against the European opponents. However, they have a promising attack that consists of Vinicius, Endrick, Joao Pedro, Cunha, Igor Thiago, etc. If Neymar can make it to the final 23-man squad, it will be a huge boost in terms of experience.
Raphinha will probably play in the midfield as they have a serious lack in that region. Finished Casemiro is the only hope for Brazil. He may pair up with Bruno Guimaraes, Fabinho, or Lucas Paqueta.
In the centre back position, Don Carlo has some handy options like Marquinos, Gabriel, Bremer, Thiago Silve. However, the birthplace of Cafu and Roberto Carlos doesn’t have at least two decent full-backs to play in the World Cup. Under the bar, either Alisson or Ederson will perform the duties.
From Pele to Cafu: Brazil’s World Cup Heritage
Brazil is the record five-time title holder of the greatest show on earth. Pele started in 1958 by winning the first title. Then he dragged it to three. In 1994, Brazil won its fourth title by ending a 24-year wait by beating Italy in penalties. Ronaldo Nazario led the penta in 2002, which is the last time Brazil lifted the World Cup. Brazil is the only team to have appeared in every World Cup since 1930. They have played 114 matches, won 76, and scored 237 goals in the tournament since the start. Fought for the golden trophy 7 times in the final.
In the last five tournaments, Brazil got out of the quarter finals 4 times. The last time they played the semi-final, they lost 7-1 to Germany on home soil.
Injury Time Words
Brazil may have struggled to qualify, but they did back in 2002. Then they won the World Cup. So, they are not a team to ignore. You may not love them, but ignoring them as a weaker side may become the greatest mistake of your life.
