With a squad already resembling a World Cup dream team — featuring Alisson, Ederson, Gabriel Magalhães, Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Paquetá, Vinicius Jr, Neymar, and rising star Endrick — Brazil look formidable on paper. But their true ace is manager Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian-born, five-time Champions League-winning tactician. Fresh from extending his stay with the Seleção beyond 2030, Ancelotti’s unparalleled CV (league titles in Europe’s top five leagues, five European Cups) commands the respect needed to unite superstar egos and end Brazil’s 24-year World Cup drought. As 2026 shapes up to be a year for ending long title waits, Don Carlo might just have the easiest job at the tournament — with Vinicius Jr tipped for Golden Boot and Golden Shoe glory.

Brazil will not accept any excuses after leaving top strikers at home but the spectre of a half-fit Neymar looms large for Carlo Ancelotti

With a squad already resembling a World Cup dream team — featuring Alisson, Ederson, Gabriel Magalhães, Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Paquetá, Vinicius Jr, Neymar, and rising star…