No nation has won more World Cups than Brazil, but the Selecao have not lifted the trophy since 2002. That 24-year wait is the longest in the country's history, and the pressure to end it is immense. The good news is that the 2026 squad may be the most talented Brazil have taken to a tournament in two decades: depth in every position, a world-class attack and a generation of players who have won the biggest trophies in club football. The question is whether talent alone is enough.

The attack: the best in the tournament

Brazil's attack is the envy of every other team at the World Cup. Vinicius Junior is one of the best players in the world, a winger who can beat any defender and score from nothing. Around him are several other forwards of the highest quality, including young stars who are already winning trophies in Europe. Brazil can attack in many ways: through the wings, through the middle, on the counter and from set pieces. The challenge for the coach is fitting so much talent into one team without losing balance.

Midfield: the blend of steel and silk

The Brazilian midfield is where the tournament will be won or lost. It has the defensive midfielders who protect the back four, the passers who control the tempo, and the runners who link defence and attack. In recent tournaments, Brazil's midfield has sometimes been overrun by the best European teams, so the balance here is crucial. If the midfield holds, the attack will get the service it needs; if it is overrun, the defence will be exposed. The coach's selection in this area will be his most important decision.

Defence: experience and athleticism

At the back, Brazil have a mix of experienced leaders and athletic young defenders. The centre-backs are strong, quick and comfortable with the ball at their feet, and the full-backs are classic Brazilian attacking full-backs who provide width. The goalkeeper is among the best in the world, a calming presence who has saved Brazil in big moments before. The defence's biggest test will come against the top European sides in the knockout stage, where one lapse in concentration can end the tournament.

The group: a gentle start

Brazil are in Group C with Morocco, Scotland and Haiti, and they should win all three games. Morocco are the toughest opponents, but Brazil's quality should tell over 90 minutes. A comfortable group stage would allow the coach to rotate the squad, rest key players and give fringe players minutes. That matters in a long tournament: the teams that win World Cups are usually the ones that arrive at the knockout stage fresh and with a settled starting eleven. Brazil have a real chance to do exactly that.

The ghosts of 2014 and 2022

Brazil's recent World Cup history is painful. The 7-1 defeat to Germany in 2014 scarred a generation, and the quarter-final exits in 2018 and 2022 felt like missed opportunities. The current squad must carry that history without being weighed down by it. The coach has spoken about building a team that enjoys playing together, and the mood around the squad is positive. But the moment Brazil concede a goal in a knockout game, the doubts will return. Mental strength may matter as much as talent.

Verdict: can Brazil win it?

Yes, Brazil can win this World Cup — and they are among the top three favourites for a reason. They have the deepest squad, the most dangerous attack and a manageable route to the latter stages. But they will probably have to beat two European giants to lift the trophy, and that is where past campaigns have failed. Our verdict: Brazil will reach at least the semi-finals, and if the attack clicks and the midfield holds, the sixth star is theirs. If not, the wait will stretch to 28 years.