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Brazil hasn’t won a World Cup since 2002. This isn’t a fun fact, it’s a giant wound to this proud soccer nation. These are the five-time world champions who have spent the last 24 years arriving at tournaments as contenders and leaving in disappointment.
Something had to change, and that something was Carlo Ancelotti, a man who won everything in club football (as manager and player) and whose rested face never gave the impression that he was worried about anything. As the first non-Brazilian to lead the Seleção, Italian-born Ancelotti expects the 26-man squad to finally end their title drought.
Here are my takeaways:
1. Neymar + 25 = Sixth star?
When Ancelotti announced that Neymar had joined the Seleção at Monday’s glitzy event in Rio de Janeiro, he received more applause than any other player.
Neymar hasn’t played for Brazil since October 2023. He tore his ACL against Uruguay, underwent surgery, experienced complications, returned to Santos and was the biggest topic of conversation in the Brazilian media in the months leading up to this roster decision. After all, he’s 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 – have all publicly lobbied for him to be part of the team. Ancelotti himself admitted that Neymar is very loved, not only by the players but also by the public.
The logic for bringing him onto the team seems more emotional than anything else. But tournament football isn’t just about logic. Even though he is in the twilight of his career, Neymar is the greatest Brazilian footballer 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 for 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 PORCIUNCULA / AFP)
Brazil’s defensive record in the last four World Cups has been a big problem. This should no longer be a problem. Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos form one of the best central defender duos in international football. Gabriel has been the best defender in the Premier League this season with Arsenal, while Paris Saint-Germain prop Marquinhos has spent a decade being one of the most reliable on the planet in his position.
These names are not as exciting as those of scorers like Vinícius Jr. or Raphinha. They don’t go viral for “Jogo Bonito.” But you know what they do? They are gaining ground. They read passing lanes and anticipate moves. The duo of Gabriel and Marquinhos will be as important as any other member of the team. In the event of injury, and given Real Madrid’s Éder Militão will already miss the tournament, Juventus’ highly capable Bremer can step in without a significant drop in quality.
A strong defense in turn helps the offense. When Vini Jr. and Raphinha play with a lead, it fundamentally changes the way they operate. Suddenly they have space at the back to make runs and face a tense defense that is forced to attack. Ancelotti, who built his dynasty at Real Madrid on the scales, knows this better than anyone. He will be a pragmatist for Brazil in a positive sense.
3. Vinícius Jr. carries the weight of 215 million people
Can Vinicius Jr. join the group of elite World Cup players? (Photo by MIGUEL SCHINCARIOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The players who were children when Fenômeno Ronaldo scored twice in the 2002 World Cup final are now adults who have spent their entire lives waiting for that euphoria to return.
Vinicius’ club season with Real Madrid went well, but certainly not his best. What Brazil needs is the version of Vinícius who almost won the Ballon d’Or and who passes dribbles through defenses like a mixture of witchcraft and ballet. This version exists, we have seen it. The question is whether this historic moment inspires him to give the best of himself.
The big guys turned up the pressure. Ronaldo in 2002. Zidane in 1998. Messi finally found his calling with Argentina in 2022 (even if it took a scenic journey to get there). Vinícius doesn’t have forever. He did it this summer. The good news is that Vini Jr. has already thrived under Ancelotti at Real Madrid. There is precedent here for finding your best form at the world’s most important football tournament.
4. Don’t sleep in midfield
Bruno Guimarães is on the engines in midfield. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Everyone will have their eyes on Vini Jr., Neymar and Raphinha. It’s understandable. But the engine that really determines how far Brazil goes is the midfield, and he’s significantly better than anyone outside of Brazil gives him credit for.
Bruno Guimarães has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League for two seasons in a row. He intercepts, recycles, presses relentlessly. He’s the kind of player you only notice when he’s not there. Then there is the talented Luis Paquetá, back at Flamengo and in great form. He’s a player who knows how to dribble, how to pass and who has that Brazilian flair that makes the game so easy.
Finally, there is Casemiro. Written off by some after a difficult spell at Manchester United, he still reads the game very well and has the tactical know-how for this system. Ancelotti knows him better than anyone and has given him the confidence to anchor the midfield again.
Football tournaments are won and lost in midfield. It turns out that the one in Brazil is world class.
