Brazil World Cup 2026: Squad, Fixtures and Key Stars

Brazil are the only nation to have played in every World Cup and the most successful with five titles (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002). However, they have gone 24 years without lifting the trophy, suffering painful defeats including a 7-1 loss to Germany in 2014 and a penalty shootout exit against Croatia in the 2022 quarter-finals.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti replaced Dorival Jr after a poor qualifying campaign left Brazil fifth in CONMEBOL. The Italian brings an impressive European pedigree with five Champions League wins, but remains unproven at international level. March friendlies yielded mixed results: wins over Colombia and Chile, and a 2-1 loss to France.

Key Star: Vinicius Jr

The Real Madrid forward is Brazil's main attacking weapon thanks to his pace, skill and goalscoring ability. He has scored 16 La Liga goals this season after coach Alvaro Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso. However, Vinicius has only eight goals in 43 appearances for Brazil. Ancelotti has moved him from the left wing to centre-forward, which may limit his space and defensive contribution.

The Neymar Gamble

Neymar, Brazil's all-time top scorer with 79 goals, has not played for the national team since a serious knee injury in October 2023. After a long injury spell, he was surprisingly called up to the World Cup squad, taking the place of Joao Pedro – Chelsea's Player of the Season. Ancelotti explained: "We have monitored Neymar all year and recently seen him play steadily, improving fitness. In some positions, we prioritise experience." At 34, Neymar hopes to replicate Ronaldo's 2002 comeback after long-term injury, but risks internal discord following recent incidents such as slapping a teammate and refusing to leave the pitch when substituted.

Talented Supporting Cast

Beyond Vinicius and Neymar, Brazil have Raphinha in top form after a stellar season with Barcelona, plus Gabriel Martinelli, Endrick and Matheus Cunha. The absences of Rodrygo and Estevao due to injury are major blows. Bruno Guimaraes has become a leading Premier League midfielder, while Casemiro has revived under Michael Carrick. The experienced defence features Marquinhos and world-class goalkeeper Alisson.

Brazil's Group

Group C consists of Brazil, Morocco, Scotland and Haiti – the latter making their first World Cup appearance since 1974. Morocco (semi-finalists in 2022) are the toughest opponents. Brazil need to win their opening game to gain an advantage. Full fixtures:

• 13 June: Brazil vs Morocco (East Rutherford, New Jersey), 22:00 GMT
• 19 June: Brazil vs Haiti (Philadelphia), 01:30 GMT (20 June)
• 24 June: Scotland vs Brazil (Miami), 22:00 GMT

Brazil's 2026 World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (PSG), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo)

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Neymar (Santos), Rayan (Bournemouth)

Al Jazeera Prediction: Quarter-finals. Despite talent and a top coach, Brazil's weaknesses and the strength of opponents could be major obstacles.