Countdown to 2026 FIFA World Cup: Brazil chasing glory again
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Brazil arrive at the 2026 World Cup as the most successful nation in the tournament’s history, having lifted the trophy five times, more than any other country. Since inception, the Seleção has paraded some of the best players from Pelé and Garrincha to Ronaldo Nazário, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo; greatness has long been part of their identity.
However, since winning their fifth title at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Brazil have failed to go beyond the quarter-finals.
hey exited in the last eight in 2006, were knocked out in the Round of 16 in 2010, and then suffered one of the darkest nights in their history when Germany crushed them 7-1 in the semi-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup on home soil. The disappointments continued with quarter-final exits to Belgium in 2018 and Croatia in 2022.
Now, Brazil turn to Carlo Ancelotti, as the Italian arrives as one of football’s most decorated coaches and the first foreign manager to lead Brazil in decades.
Drawn in Group C with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland, Brazil will expect to progress. But expectations have often been where their problems begin.
Players to Watch
Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid, 26)
Vinicius Junior is now the face of Brazil’s new generation. Explosive, direct and capable of changing matches in seconds, he carries enormous responsibility in attack.
Raphinha (Barcelona, 29)
Raphinha offers creativity, pressing intensity and end product from wide areas. His form could be crucial in unlocking compact defences.
Joao Pedro (Chelsea, 24)
Joao Pedro adds movement and versatility in the final third. He represents the younger attacking options pushing for a breakthrough tournament.
Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal, 28)
Gabriel Magalhaes brings strength and authority to defence. In knockout football, Brazil’s back line may matter as much as their attack.
Fixtures
June 13, 2026: Brazil vs Morocco — New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
June 19, 2026: Brazil vs Haiti — Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia
June 24, 2026: Scotland vs Brazil — Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
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