Ancelotti seeks the capolavoro: taking Brazil to the Hexa and ending a 24-year fast


In Group C, alongside Haiti, Morocco and Scotland, is Brazil, which currently occupies 6th place in the FIFA rankings. This will be the country's 23rd participation in the World Cup, making the Seleção the only team that has been present in all editions of the main football tournament on the planet. Defying the traditions of Brazilian football, Italian Carlo Ancelotti will be the team's commander, being the first foreign coach to coach the Seleção in a World Cup and only the fourth foreigner in history to take on the role. Ancelotti will have his first experience as a head coach, although he was part of Sacchi's coaching staff with Italy in 1994, precisely in the United States. In its vast collection of trophies, all that is missing is the Hexa gold, a title that Brazil has not won for 24 years — a fast that is comparable to that which occurred between the third title, in 1970, and the fourth, in 1994. Brazil's path towards the 2026 World Cup was complicated. The Seleção only secured its place in the last rounds, finishing the qualifiers in fifth place, with 8 wins, 4 draws and 6 losses, unusual numbers for a team used to dominating the South American scene. The pressure increased after two defeats to Argentina, always complicated matches for Brazilian football, which resulted in significant changes to the coaching staff. A 1-0 defeat at Maracanã in November 2023 led to the departure of Fernando Diniz and the appointment of Dorival Júnior, who was fired in March 2025 after a heavy 4-1 defeat in Buenos Aires. This sequence of events culminated in the revolutionary choice of entrusting Ancelotti with the destiny of the Seleção. The tactical scheme adopted will be a very offensive 4-2-3-1, with an attack line made up of fast players and aggressive full-backs. However, the defense cannot be underestimated either, as Ancelotti is known for his defensive work and can count on the solidity of two great players like Marquinhos and Gabriel. The team's highlight is in attack, where the stars Vinicius and Raphinha shine, as well as talents such as Martinelli, the versatile Matheus Cunha and the Premier League's second top scorer, Igor Thiago. All eyes, however, will be on Neymar. Brazil's all-time top scorer managed to secure a last-minute call-up and is preparing to play in his fourth and final World Cup. Wesley is out due to injury: Ederson replaces him. Those called up are: Goalkeepers - Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Grêmio). Defenders - Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG). Midfielders - Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Paquetá (Flamengo), Ederson (Atalanta). Forwards - Endrick (Lyon, on loan from Real Madrid), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius (Real Madrid). Brazil's ideal formation (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães; Raphinha, Cunha, Vinicius; Igor Thiago. Technical:Ancelotti.