Brazil

Brazil — the Selecao — are drawn into Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. Under new manager Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil enter the tournament as one of the favorites to win the title and end a drought that stretches back to 2002.

The group is manageable but not without intrigue. Morocco — 2022 World Cup semifinalists — are a serious opponent. Scotland bring European quality and physicality. Haiti return to the World Cup after 52 years, making them one of the tournament's great stories.

Why this group matters: Brazil have not won the World Cup since 2002. The appointment of Ancelotti — the most decorated club manager in history — signals that the CBF views 2026 as a now-or-never moment. Group C is where that campaign begins.

The Morocco opener is a marquee match — a rematch of sorts after Morocco's stunning 2022 run. Haiti on Matchday 2 should be comfortable. Scotland on Matchday 3 is a physical test to close the group.

Brazil are the most successful nation in FIFA World Cup history with 5 titles:

• World Cup wins: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
• Total appearances: 22 (every World Cup ever held)
• Best recent result: Quarterfinals 2022 (lost to Croatia on penalties)
• The 7-1: Brazil's 7-1 semifinal loss to Germany at the 2014 World Cup on home soil remains one of the most shocking results in football history. The trauma of that match still haunts Brazilian football.
• 2002 — the last title: Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho led Brazil to their fifth title in Japan/South Korea. The 24-year gap since is the longest title drought in Brazilian football history.
• Icons: Pele (3 World Cups), Garrincha, Zico, Romario, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Neymar — Brazil's World Cup lineage is unmatched.

The pressure on this generation is immense. Brazilian fans expect not just qualification and group-stage success, but the title itself.

Carlo Ancelotti — the Italian mastermind who has won the Champions League a record five times — was appointed Brazil manager in 2024 in one of the most surprising coaching hires in football history. He is the first non-Brazilian to manage the Selecao since 1966.

Ancelotti's approach prioritizes balance. His preferred 4-3-3 gives Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo freedom to attack while maintaining midfield control through Bruno Guimaraes. Unlike previous Brazil coaches who struggled to organize the defense, Ancelotti's teams are historically difficult to break down.

His man-management is legendary — he has coached Zidane, Ronaldo (both), Kaka, Modric, and Bellingham. Handling Brazil's egos and expectations is a challenge, but there may be no one better equipped for it.

The key question: can Ancelotti's calm, methodical approach coexist with the jogo bonito expectations of a nation that demands beautiful football?

Brazilian football culture is the gold standard. No nation on earth lives and breathes football the way Brazil does.

• The Yellow Wave: Brazil's iconic yellow shirts will flood venues across the United States. The Brazilian diaspora in cities like Miami, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles ensures massive in-stadium support.
• Samba rhythms: Brazilian fans bring drums, dancing, and a carnival atmosphere to every match. The pre-match energy in the stands often outshines the football itself.
• National obsession: In Brazil, World Cup matches bring the country to a standstill. Schools close, businesses shut, and 200 million people watch together. The pressure of that collective expectation is both fuel and burden for the players.
• Beaches and big screens: In cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, outdoor screenings on beaches and public squares draw millions.

Why to watch if you are a casual fan: Brazil under Ancelotti is the most intriguing storyline in world football. The most successful World Cup nation, managed by the most successful club coach ever, with the most exciting attacking player on the planet (Vinicius Jr.) — all trying to end a 24-year title drought. If that does not hook you, nothing will.

Brazil will top Group C and cruise through the Round of 32. The real tests begin in the Round of 16 and beyond, where Brazil's tournament history has been mixed — quarterfinal exits in 2018 and 2022 suggest they can falter under pressure.

Prediction: Semifinals, with a genuine shot at the Final. Ancelotti's tactical discipline addresses Brazil's biggest weakness (defensive disorganization), and the attacking talent is undeniable. Brazil are one of three or four teams capable of winning the tournament. Whether they do depends on the bracket and whether Ancelotti can keep the squad focused through six or seven matches.