Brazil are arriving with something to prove. That feels strange to say about Brazil at a World Cup, but it’s true.
For most of my life, Brazil went into tournaments as the team everyone feared most. Now, after years of frustration and underachievement by our standards, there are still doubts around this squad despite all the talent available.
But there is also something new this time: Carlo Ancelotti.
And honestly, if there is one manager in world football capable of bringing calm and belief back to Brazil, it is him.
How Brazil Reached the World Cup
- Qualification record: 8W-6L-4D
- Goals for / against: 24 / 17
- Top scorer: Raphinha (5)
- Top assists: Neymar (3)
Qualification was far messier than Brazil fans would ever want.
At one point, there were genuine concerns about how difficult things had become. The team looked disjointed, lacked rhythm going forward, and too often relied on moments rather than structure.
That slowly improved once Ancelotti arrived.
The football still is not perfect, but there is more control now, and players seem clearer in their roles. The biggest positive from qualification was probably seeing players like Raphinha step forward and become genuine leaders in attack.
Brazil’s Group Fixtures
- Brazil vs Morocco – June 13 – New Jersey, USA
- Brazil vs Haiti – June 19 – Philadelphia, USA
- Scotland vs Brazil – June 25 – Florida, USA
Morocco immediately catches the eye because Brazil have struggled at times against organised, aggressive teams in recent tournaments.
And honestly, Scotland could become one of those awkward group-stage games that ends up far more difficult than people expect.
Why This Brazil Team Feels Different
This is not the classic Brazil team that overwhelms opponents with endless flair and five attackers flying forward at once.
Ancelotti’s Brazil is more patient and controlled.
The attack is still frightening because players like Vinicius Junior, Joao Pedro and Raphinha can destroy teams in transition, but there is far more emphasis on structure than people usually associate with Brazil.
And maybe that is necessary.
Brazil have had talented squads for years, but too often they have looked emotionally chaotic in big moments. Ancelotti’s biggest job is not tactical, it is making this team believe in itself again.
Players Who Will Define Our Tournament
Everything starts with Vinicius now.
For years, Brazil waited for someone to become the face of the next generation, and this tournament feels like his opportunity to fully own that responsibility. Under Ancelotti, he already looks more comfortable and decisive.
I’m also fascinated by what Matheus Cunha could bring in that deeper attacking role because he gives Brazil unpredictability between the lines.
And then there is Raphinha, who quietly might be Brazil’s most important attacking player right now based on pure form.
The Tactical Questions
The biggest concern is still full-back.
Brazil have always had iconic full-backs, but this generation does not feel nearly as secure in those areas, especially defensively.
There are also questions about midfield balance. Against weaker teams, Brazil will dominate the ball and territory, but against elite sides, can the midfield really control matches consistently?
The good news is that Brazil still have one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Alisson Becker, and in knockout football, that matters massively.
What Brazil Expects This Summer
No country carries World Cup expectation like Brazil.
It has been 24 years since the fifth star, which for most countries would not feel long, but for Brazil it feels like forever.
I think most fans are realistic enough to understand this squad is still developing under Ancelotti, but at the same time, nobody follows Brazil just hoping for a respectable run.
The expectation is always to compete for the trophy.
And if Brazil start strongly, confidence in the country will build very quickly because people desperately want to believe this could finally be the team that brings the World Cup home again.
Rafael’s Predicted Brazil XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK: Alisson
RB: Vanderson
CB: Marquinhos
CB: Gabriel
LB: Caio Henrique
CM: Casemiro
CM: Bruno Guimarães
AM: Matheus Cunha
RW: Raphinha
LW: Vinicius Junior
FW: João Pedro
My Expectation for Brazil
I don’t think Brazil arrive as favourites, and honestly that might help.
There is less arrogance around this team now and more understanding that things need to be earned again.
But if Vinicius explodes into life, the attack clicks, and Ancelotti brings stability to the big moments, then Brazil absolutely have the talent to win the tournament.
And after everything since 2002, nothing would mean more.
Quickfire
- Best group-stage fixture: Brazil vs Morocco
- Biggest concern: Full-back quality
- Player I’m most excited for: Vinicius Junior
- Potential breakout player: João Pedro
- Team I least want Brazil to face: Argentina
