In the first of our World Cup preview series, we assess each of the tournament favourites featuring Barcelona stars, examining their key strengths and predicting how far they can go in the competition.
Brazil are perennial contenders for World Cup glory, with the Seleção boasting one of the richest histories in the tournament's history. Five-time world champions, they bring their trademark flair, passion and samba spirit to every World Cup campaign.
The only nation to have appeared in every edition of the tournament, Brazil are chasing their first world title since 2002. This squad blends established stars such as Neymar, Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior with emerging talents including Rayan and Igor Thiago as they look to end that long wait for a sixth crown.
However, Brazil arrive at this World Cup carrying more questions than usual. The five-time champions suffered six defeats during qualifying, a remarkable statistic for a nation of their pedigree. To put that into perspective, the Seleção had lost just five World Cup qualifiers in the previous 20 years combined before this campaign.
The men in green and yellow begin their campaign against Morocco in New York/New Jersey before travelling to Philadelphia for their second group-stage fixture. They will then conclude the group phase against Scotland in Miami.
Raphinha their main man
Brazil's squad reflects a noticeable shift in identity, with some of their strongest performers now found in defence, where they also possess impressive depth and competition for places. Yet despite that evolution, their attacking threat remains formidable, particularly out wide, where Barcelona star Raphinha arrives as the country's most consistent forward.
While injuries have interrupted his momentum at times, Raphinha heads into the tournament expected to occupy his preferred role on the right flank. Creativity from the wide areas is likely going to be Brazil’s attacking strength providing their new striker, Igor Thiago, Matheus Cunha or Endrick, with the chances to convert. On the opposite side, Vinícius Júnior will provide pace, creativity and star quality from the left as Brazil look to mount a serious challenge for a sixth World Cup title.
Where does Neymar Jr. fit in?
While the wide attacking roles appear firmly locked down by Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior, Neymar's stature and influence mean he is unlikely to remain a bit-part player for long. Carlo Ancelotti has shown a willingness to rotate his attacking pieces, with Raphinha capable of operating centrally behind the striker and Vinícius also able to move into a more advanced role when required.
Neymar's versatility could prove invaluable in that system. The former Barcelona star is comfortable on the left wing, as a No. 10 or through the middle, giving Ancelotti several options as he looks to get the best out of his attack. Once fully fit, Neymar will be determined to make his mark and become only the second Brazilian after Pelé to score at four different World Cups.
Whether Ancelotti uses Neymar as an impact substitute or finds a way to accommodate him in the starting XI remains to be seen. Either way, Brazil's supporters are unlikely to care how the pieces fit together if the Seleção end their long wait for a sixth World Cup crown.
Is Group C the group of death?
Brazil face a tricky group and are far from guaranteed top spot. Morocco have emerged as one of Africa's strongest sides in recent years, with players such as Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz giving them the quality to trouble anyone.
As a result, Brazil's opening game against Morocco could prove crucial in the battle to finish first in the group.
Scotland should not be overlooked either. Steve Clarke's side earned their place at the finals by finishing above Denmark in qualifying and have built momentum with convincing wins over Bolivia and Curaçao in the lead-up to the tournament. They have quietly developed into a disciplined and dangerous outfit capable of springing a surprise.
Haiti may be viewed as the outsiders and the banana skin of the group, but they are far from pushovers. With several players plying their trade at a high level and enough attacking quality to trouble opponents, they could prove to be one of the tournament's surprise packages if given the opportunity.
Date | Fixture |
|---|---|
Saturday 13 June, 23:00UTC | Morocco |
Saturday 20 June, 01:30UTC | Haiti |
Wednesday 24 June, 23:00UTC | Scotland |
Knockout chances
Finishing in the top two will set Brazil on a collision course with Group F, but topping the group could provide a more favourable route. In that scenario, they would likely face either Japan or Sweden in the last 16.
The alternative is far less appealing. Should Brazil qualify as runners-up, a meeting with the Netherlands, the expected winners of Group F, could await immediately, presenting a stern early test for Raphinha and company.
Even if Brazil win their group, the road is unlikely to get much easier. A quarter-final clash against one of the runners-up from the highly competitive Groups E or I could bring Senegal, Norway, Ivory Coast or Ecuador into their path.
Finishing second may offer a slightly kinder quarter-final route if they can overcome the Netherlands, potentially setting up a tie against the runners-up from Group A or B, although that could also mean facing one of the host nations on home soil.
Regardless of the route, Brazil possess the quality, depth and star power to believe they can overcome anyone in the knockout stages.
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