🇧🇷 Brazil at the World Cup 2026
Brazil's 2026 World Cup: Group C winners, then beat Japan 2–1 in the Round of 32 and lost 2–1 to Norway in the Round of 16.
2026 World Cup summary
Brazil's tournament ended in Match 91: Brazil 1, Norway 2 in the Round of 16.
Brazil won Group C and beat Japan 2–1 in the Round of 32 (Brazil vs Japan), then lost to Norway at MetLife Stadium. Match recap: Norway 2–1 Brazil (Round of 16, Match 91).
Group results and standing
Brazil finished group winner in Group C with 7 points and a +6 goal difference.
Knockout results
Coach & captain
Head coach: Carlo Ancelotti. The Seleção's first foreign coach, in charge since May 2025, Ancelotti arrived at this World Cup with a squad whose attacking quality has rarely been questioned but whose defensive consistency had been the focus of improvement work in the lead-up to the tournament.
How they qualified
Brazil qualified through CONMEBOL South American qualifying. The campaign had its ups and downs — Brazil always qualify but rarely without drama in CONMEBOL — but the squad that arrived at this World Cup was settled and focused on ending a 24-year wait for a sixth title.
Group stage summary
Brazil topped Group C with seven points and a +6 goal difference — one of the stronger group stage records in the competition. They won two matches convincingly and drew one, demonstrating both the attacking flair expected of a Brazilian team and the defensive organisation their coaching staff has prioritised. They progressed to the Round of 32 having conceded very little and with all their key players fit and in form.
Key players
- Vinicius Jr (forward) — Brazil's most dangerous attacker and one of the best players in the world. His direct dribbling, pace in behind, and improving finishing make him almost unplayable when the pitch opens up for him.
- Rodrygo (forward) — technically excellent winger who provides goals and assists from the right side, and can play centrally when required. A consistent performer throughout the group stage.
World Cup history
Brazil are the most decorated nation in World Cup history, having won the tournament five times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002). The 2002 title in Japan and South Korea was their most recent, meaning the squad that takes the field in 2026 carries the weight of a 24-year wait for a sixth star. They are among two or three teams most likely to end that drought.
Bracket path
Brazil advanced from the Round of 32 after beating Japan 2–1 on June 29, then lost 2–1 to Norway at MetLife Stadium in the Round of 16 on July 5. The full bracket is visible on the bracket visualiser.