Brazil and the identity dilemma ahead of the 2026 World Cup campaign.
With their poor form in the qualifiers and Carlo Ancelotti's controversial personnel decisions, the Brazilian national team enters the 2026 World Cup with doubts about their ability to reclaim their former glory after 24 years.
Nearly a quarter of a century after the peak of Ronaldo's generation in 2002, the Brazilian national team enters the 2026 World Cup campaign in the United States as one of the most unpredictable squads. Their opening Group C match against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey carries not only enormous expectations but also a test of the South American team's deep-seated identity crisis.
Crisis stemming from the qualifying campaign.
The instability of the former world champions was evident in their disappointing South American qualifying campaign. Brazil finished only 5th out of 6 automatic qualification spots, suffering 6 defeats in 18 matches, including losses to lower-ranked opponents like Paraguay and Bolivia.
Their poor performance has left them behind even Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, and Uruguay. With only 24 goals scored in the qualifiers, averaging less than 1.5 goals per game, the yellow and green team has failed to maintain its usual explosiveness. This has forced coach Carlo Ancelotti to bring nine forwards to the tournament in an attempt to improve the situation, but their success is predicted to depend heavily on the pragmatic approach of the Italian strategist.
Carlo Ancelotti's personnel gambles
The Italian manager's decisions are facing considerable skepticism from the public. Recalling Neymar after a two-and-a-half-year absence is seen as a risky gamble. At 34, the striker is completely unfit to play in the opening match, making Ancelotti's decision seem more like a compromise to public pressure than a purely professional calculation.
Furthermore, the recall of midfielder Casemiro after an 18-month absence also raises concerns. At 34 years old, the Manchester United player will have to partner with Bruno Guimaraes in the harsh weather conditions of over 90 degrees Fahrenheit in New Jersey, an extreme physical challenge for the veteran.
The 4-2-4 system and pragmatic philosophy
Despite facing much criticism, Brazil still possesses a high-quality squad. A highly attacking 4-2-4 formation is expected to be employed with Gabriel (Arsenal) and Marquinhos (PSG) as central defenders. Up front, Vinicius Junior will play the role of playmaker on the left wing, while Matheus Cunha is expected to take the center forward position.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti, who recently extended his contract until 2030, has repeatedly urged his players to be selfless and united. He warned the stars against seeking individual glory at this tournament. The upcoming match against Morocco will provide the first glimpse of whether Ancelotti's pragmatic philosophy can help Brazil regain its confidence and identity.
