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Brazil hasn’t won a World Cup since 2002. That’s not a fun fact, it’s a giant wound for this proud soccer nation. They are five-time world champions who have spent the last 24 years coming into tournaments as contenders and leaving disappointed.
Something had to change, and that something is Carlo Ancelotti, a man who has won everything in club football (both as a coach and as a player) and whose resting face has never suggested that he is worried about anything. As the first non-Brazilian in charge of the Seleção, Italian Ancelotti hopes this 26-man team will finally break that title drought.
Here are my conclusions:
1. Neymar + 25 = Sixth Star?
When Ancelotti announced that Neymar had joined the Seleção during Monday’s glitzy event in Rio de Janeiro, he received more applause than any other player.
Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023. He tore his ACL against Uruguay, underwent surgery, experienced complications, returned to Santos and has been the biggest topic of conversation in the Brazilian media in the months leading up to this roster decision. After all, he is a living legend.
So here it is. Six goals and four assists in 2026 with Santos. Casemiro and Raphinha – even his Argentine rival and former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi – publicly lobbied for him to be in the team. Ancelotti himself acknowledged that Neymar is very loved, not only by the players but also by the public.
The rationale for bringing him into the team seems more emotional than anything else. But tournament football is not just about logic. Although he is in the twilight of his career, Neymar is the best Brazilian soccer player produced in the last 15 years. Ancelotti has made his decision. This is Neymar’s last World Cup. The only question is whether he will come to make a cameo or as the protagonist.
2. Ancelotti finally gives Brazil permission to defend
Ancelotti has two tough defenders in Gabriel and Marquinhos. (Photo by Pablo PORCÍUNCULA/AFP)
Brazil’s defensive record in the last four World Cups has been a big issue. That shouldn’t be a problem anymore. Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos form one of the best centre-back pairings in international football. Gabriel has been the Premier League’s best defender this season with Arsenal, while Paris Saint-Germain stalwart Marquinhos spent a decade being one of the most reliable on the planet in his position.
These names are not as exciting as goalscorers like Vinícius Jr. or Raphinha. They don’t go viral for “Jogo Bonito.” But do you know what they do? They win headbutts. They read passing lanes and anticipate movements. The duo Gabriel and Marquinhos will be as important as anyone on the team. If an injury occurs, and taking into account that Éder Militão of Real Madrid will already miss the tournament, the very capable Bremer of Juventus could step in without his quality dropping significantly.
A solid defense in turn helps the attack. When Vini Jr. and Raphinha play with an advantage, it fundamentally changes the way they operate. Suddenly there is space for them at the back to run and face a stretched defense that is forced to attack. Ancelotti, who built his dynasty at Real Madrid on the basis of balance, knows this better than anyone. He will be a pragmatist for Brazil in a positive sense.
3. Vinícius Jr. supports the weight of 215 million people
Will Vinicius Jr. be able to join the group of elite players at the World Cup? (Photo by MIGUEL SCHINCAROL/AFP via Getty Images)
The players who were children when O Fenômeno Ronaldo scored two goals in the 2002 World Cup final are now adults who have spent their entire lives waiting for that euphoria to return.
Vinicius’ season with Real Madrid was good, but it certainly wasn’t his best. What Brazil needs is the version of Vinícius who almost won the Ballon d’Or and makes dribbling through defenses look like a mix of witchcraft and ballet. That version exists, we have seen it. The question is whether this historic moment inspires you to perform at your best.
The big boys have risen to the pressure. Ronaldo in 2002. Zidane in 1998. Messi finally found a path with Argentina in 2022 (although he had to take a scenic route to get there). Vinícius doesn’t have forever. He has it this summer. The good news is that Vini Jr. previously thrived under Ancelotti at Real Madrid. There is precedent here for a way to find your best form in the world’s biggest soccer tournament.
4. Don’t sleep in midfield
Bruno Guimarães is the driving force in midfield. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Everyone will have their eyes on Vini Jr., Neymar and Raphinha. That’s understandable. But the engine that really determines how far Brazil goes is the midfield, and it’s significantly better than anyone outside of Brazil realizes.
Bruno Guimarães has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League for two seasons in a row. Intercept, recycle, press relentlessly. He’s the type of player you only notice when he’s not there. Then there is the technically gifted Luis Paquetá, who is back at Flamengo and in great shape. He is a player who can dribble, pass and has that Brazilian style that makes the game look so easy.
Finally there is Casemiro. Discarded by some after a difficult spell at Manchester United, he still reads the game very well and has the tactical knowledge for this system. Ancelotti knows him better than most and has given him the confidence to anchor the midfield again.
Tournament football is won and lost in the center of the field. The one in Brazil turns out to be world class.
