Brazil 2026 World Cup preview: Odds, key players and predictions

Ladbrokes has priced Brazil as one of the favourites ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with the Selecao given odds of 8/1 to add another trophy to their mouthwatering collection - and with such a renowned manager leading such an exciting squad, they really do have every chance of going all the way.

As one of the tournament favourites, Brazil are also among the frontrunners to reach the World Cup final, and are tipped as second-favourites to score more goals than any other nation in North America this summer. Plus, with world-class players like Vinicius Jr and Alisson in the squad, there's also plenty of Brazilian representation in markets including the Golden Ball and Golden Glove.

• Qualification record: 8 wins - 4 draws - 6 defeats

• Goals for / against: 24 / 17

Brazil were uncharacteristically poor in their World Cup qualifying campaign, only finishing fifth in the table with defeats to the likes of Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay exposing worrying weaknesses - but their firepower ultimately got them through, with 24 goals proving enough to book their place at the 2026 World Cup.

Raphinha led the way with five goals across the campaign, and crucially, he enters the World Cup in decent form following a fruitful season for Barcelona, but the likes of Vinicius Jr and Neymar will have to chip in more frequently if the Selecao are to live up to expectations this summer. A friendly defeat to France in March also raised some questions over their ability to test the world's very best sides, but when the lights shine brightest, Brazil usually find a way to show their class.

When it comes to World Cup triumphs, no other nation can match Brazil's record of five, with the Selecao being crowned world champions in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and most recently in 2002, when a brace from Ronaldo sealed their second World Cup in three tournaments.

That year also saw Brazil reach their third consecutive World Cup final - equalling Germany's record - and ensured they completed the perfect tournament, with seven wins from their seven matches. That wasn't the first time they had achieved this feat either, also winning 100% of their games in 1970 to win a third World Cup in four tournaments - marking an era of real dominance.

The Brazil stars of today may not have the pedigree of yesteryear's legends, but as they strive to progress past the quarter-finals for just the second time since 2002, the stage is set for Carlo Ancelotti's men to write their names into the history books.

Brazil arrive at the 2026 World Cup under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, with the legendary Italian manager tasked with leading the Selecao back to the top of world football. As always, the squad is packed with attacking quality, with the likes of Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, and Neymar giving Brazil an electric range of options in the final third - with all three representing their side in the Golden Boot race.

There's also plenty of experience running throughout the squad, particularly in defensive areas, with Alisson, Marquinhos, Casemiro, and Alex Sandro all expected to play important roles throughout the tournament. In midfield, Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes will play a pivotal role, while young Premier League forwards Rayan and Igor Thiago add a fresh unpredictability to the squad - which could catch opponents by surprise.

One of the biggest talking points surrounding the squad is the notable omission of Joao Pedro, who has been left at home despite putting in strong performances for Chelsea - but even without him, this squad looks more than capable of going far in North America.

Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad

Manager: Carlo Ancelotti

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Danilo (Flamengo), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (PSG), Gabriel (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo)

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Rayan (Bournemouth)

Our predicted lineup for Brazil's opening game against Morocco sees them set up in a 4-3-3 formation.

GK: Alisson

RB: Ibanez

CB: Marquinhos

CB: Gabriel

LB: Douglas Santos

CM: Casemiro

CM: Danilo Santos

CM: Bruno Guimaraes

RW: Raphinha

ST: Matheus Cunha

LW: Vinicius Jr

Group C is the destination for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, with Carlo Ancelotti's side arriving as overwhelming favourites to top the group and cruise through to the knockouts ahead of Morocco, Scotland, and World Cup debutants Haiti.

It would be a huge shock to see Brazil struggle in Group C, even with potential banana-skin opponents in Scotland and Morocco, so we're tipping them to enjoy an excellent group stage - giving them all the momentum they need to enter the knockouts with real purpose.

You can check out our in-depth preview for Group C, including information on all four nations, with odds and predictions.

With just one semi-final appearance since 2002, Brazil's recent World Cup record is incredibly uninspiring - especially when you consider the greats of years gone by - but we're expecting a better effort at the 2026 World Cup, with Carlo Ancelotti's side making it to the final four.

Things didn't really go to plan the last time Brazil reached the semis, losing 7-1 to Germany in front of their own fans in what has become one of football's most memorable results, and while we don't expect them to reach the final this year, we aren't anticipating an embarrassment like that again. A strong group-stage campaign and early knockout wins will get Brazil into their rhythm, so they should be a joy to watch at the 2026 World Cup - bowing out in the semi-finals.

Prediction: Semi-finals

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All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

View the latest World Cup 2026 odds.