Have Brazil qualified for the World Cup? Odds, schedule and squad for FIFA tournament in USA, Mexico and Canada 2026

Brazil remain the most successful nation in World Cup history, boasting five titles, yet the glory days have felt distant.

The Selecao haven't lifted the coveted trophy since 2002, nor have they finished in the top three since then, marking a surprisingly lean spell for such a storied footballing powerhouse. 

Their struggles continued at the 2024 Copa America, won by Messi's Argentina, where they crashed out in the quarterfinals after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Uruguay.

In response, the Brazilian federation made a bold statement by appointing serial winner Carlo Ancelotti as their first foreign manager in nearly six decades. 

Have Brazil qualified for the World Cup? 

Yes, Brazil have secured their place in the World Cup draw. Yet. Despite Ancelotti's arrival, their qualifying campaign was far from smooth. They scraped through in fifth place in the South American standings, suffering six losses in 18 matches, a far cry from their usual dominance.

With powerhouses like Spain, France, and Thomas Tuchel's England all more than capable of mounting a serious challenge for the coveted Jules Rimet Trophy, the big question is whether Brazil can rediscover their magic and reclaim the World Cup glory that once defined them.

Here we take a deep dive into Brazil's 2026 World Cup chances, the types of bets to place when betting on football, the key players, their potential pathway to the final and latest betting odds on offer.

Brazil odds to win the World Cup

The five-time world champions are, as always, among the frontrunners heading into the tournament. Brazil's odds have been sitting in the 6/1 to 7/1 region, a sign of respect for their pedigree, even after a mixed few years on the international stage.

Their 2022 World Cup run ended in disappointment at the quarterfinals, and the road to 2026 qualifying has been anything but smooth. Still, few teams can match the depth and sheer talent of this squad.

Adding to the intrigue is the presence of Italian boss Carlo Ancelotti, who has a reputation for delivering on the biggest stages, and his arrival has sparked quiet confidence among bettors and fans alike.

Brazil currently sits just behind the three leading favourites in most odds tables, reflecting a sense of cautious optimism surrounding the Selecao.

After Spain (9/2 Sky Bet), France (13/2 Bet365) and England (13/2 Paddy Power) they have the next best odds to lift the trophy, putting them firmly in the mix.

Why are Brazil among the favourites?

When Ancelotti departed Real Madrid after clinching yet another Champions League title in 2024, few expected his next destination to be the Brazilian national team. Yet, for a man with 29 major trophies across Europe, the pull of managing the world's most storied footballing nation was simply too strong to resist.

Since taking charge in mid-2024, Ancelotti has ushered in a new chapter for Brazil, one defined by balance, structure and tactical clarity. His blueprint revolves around a solid defensive core and a disciplined midfield, traits that have often been overshadowed by Brazil’s flair-first identity in recent years.

Unsurprisingly, Ancelotti is expected to lean on familiar faces from his Real Madrid days, including Eder Militao and Casemiro, both trusted lieutenants who understand his philosophy inside out.

While some critics argue that Ancelotti's tactics can be overly conservative, few can match his ability to manage personalities and unify a dressing room. His calm authority and knack for bringing out the best in his stars could prove invaluable.

If Ancelotti can channel the leadership of Casemiro in midfield and unleash the full potential of Vinicius Junior in attack, Brazil might just have the right mix of experience, talent, and belief to mount a serious challenge for glory in 2026.

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Will Neymar play at the World Cup?

A major storyline, of course, will be Neymar. At 34, the forward could be entering his final World Cup, a last shot at redemption after injuries have repeatedly derailed his past campaigns.

Under Ancelotti's guidance and with a clean bill of health, Neymar could once again be Brazil's X-factor. If he stays fit, he'll no doubt be eyeing a fairytale run to emulate Lionel Messi's late-career World Cup triumph.

That still feels like a distant possibility. After Carlo Ancelotti publicly criticised Neymar when announcing Brazil's November squad, the Italian has since struck a more optimistic tone about the Brazilian icon, even offering him some advice.

"The truth is that soccer today asks for many things, not just talent. Also physical condition, intensity. Hopefully Neymar can be at his best level," Ancelotti said.

"He needs to play more centrally, not as a winger. Wingers in today's soccer are players you need to help also defensively. When you play a little bit more inside the defensive work is much less than if you play as a winger."

While Ancelotti's comments may sound promising, maintaining full fitness and coping with the relentless tempo of top-level football has been Neymar's biggest struggle in recent years.

In fact, several MLS clubs, who might have considered signing him once his deal with Santos ends, reportedly have doubts about his ability to revive his career.

If Neymar wants any chance of featuring at the 2026 World Cup, he'll need to overcome his persistent injury troubles quickly. Otherwise, his dream of returning to the global stage could slip away for good.

Brazil squad for World Cup 2026

This Brazil squad might just be every manager's dream, and nightmare rolled into one. With so many elite forwards, goalkeepers, and centre-backs to choose from, Carlo Ancelotti faces the kind of selection headache most coaches would envy.

During his time at AC Milan, Ancelotti famously found a way to squeeze five central midfielders into one lineup and still lift the Champions League trophy. Now, he'll need to conjure up something equally inventive to fit all of Brazil's attacking talent onto the pitch next summer.

One of his biggest challenges will be reigniting Brazil's frontline and, more specifically, figuring out who will lead the line. The question that's haunted the Selecao for years remains the same: who takes up the role of centre-forward?

Richarlison, who spearheaded Brazil's attack at the 2022 World Cup, is once again a leading contender. He has two major advantages: Ancelotti knows him well from their time together at Everton, and the striker looks sharp and refreshed after a long run of consistent performances.

However, competition is fierce. Chelsea's Joao Pedro offers a completely different profile. Then there's Endrick, once hailed as Brazil's next prodigy after his stunning winner at Wembley and another goal against Spain just days later.

His early move to Real Madrid may have come too soon, with Ancelotti struggling to fit him into a star-studded attack that already included Kylian Mbappe. Still, if Endrick rediscovers his rhythm before next June, he could be impossible to ignore.

Brazil's attacking depth is the envy of the footballing world. Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, two of Ancelotti's Champions League-winning proteges at Real Madrid, remain the heartbeat of the Selecao's offence.

Under the Italian's guidance, Vinicius blossomed into one of Europe's most devastating wingers, and his consistency since has been nothing short of world-class. Over in Spain, Raphinha has been thriving at Barcelona under Hansi Flick, and the winger will be eager to carry that form into Brazil's World Cup campaign.

Between the posts, Alisson Becker continues to be Brazil's guardian. The Liverpool star's composure, reflexes, and command of his area make him one of the most complete goalkeepers in world football.

Defensively, the Selecao will rely on Marquinhos to marshal the backline. His leadership and tactical awareness will be crucial in balancing the team's flair with discipline. Vanderson of Monaco could slot in on the right, while Alexsandro of Lille might partner Marquinhos at the heart of defence, a pairing that could give Brazil both solidity and balance.

In midfield, Brazil possess the perfect mix of creativity, energy, and experience. Bruno Guimaraes has established himself as one of the Premier League's finest all-round midfielders with Newcastle United, and under Ancelotti's tutelage, he could become a focal point for the Selecao next year.

Veteran Casemiro, another familiar face from Ancelotti's Real Madrid days, brings invaluable experience and defensive grit to the middle of the park. Alongside him, Lucas Paqueta of West Ham adds flair and versatility, having been one of Brazil's standout performers during the 2022 World Cup.

How Brazil's World Cup record compares to other key contenders

Expert Predictions: Will Brazil win the World Cup in 2026?

Carlo Ancelotti has conquered nearly every summit club football has to offer, but his next challenge is perhaps the most defining of his illustrious career. Now at the helm of Brazil, the legendary Italian manager is chasing the one prize that has eluded him: the FIFA World Cup.

For Brazil, it's a chance to finally end 24 years of heartbreak on the world stage. For Ancelotti, it's an opportunity to etch his name in history as the first foreign coach to guide the Selecao to football's ultimate crown.

Traditionally, Brazil has been the heartbeat of world football, the trendsetters that everyone else tries to emulate. With five World Cup titles collected over 44 years, their dominance once seemed untouchable. But those glory days feel distant now.

The talent is still there; no one doubts that. Yet, Brazil have stumbled time and again, in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022, without even making it to a final, including the heartbreak of their own home tournament in 2014.

It's been years of slow decline. For too long, the Selecao have relied on the aura of the famous yellow shirt rather than the performances inside it. That sense of invincibility has faded, and opponents no longer fear the badge, they face the players, not the myth.

The question now is whether a full-strength Brazil can truly stand toe-to-toe with a resurgent Spain or a high-octane France. How do they compare with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal?

Under Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil have shifted focus. This isn't the samba-style, all-flair Brazil of old; it's a team built on structure, discipline, and control. Known for his steady hand and exceptional man-management, Ancelotti has been trying to shape a side that marries creativity with composure.

Not everyone, however, is on board. Former Brazil goalkeeper and manager Emerson Leao voiced his disappointment over the appointment, calling it "a sad reflection" of the current state of Brazilian coaching.

"I'm disappointed that a foreigner had to come because our own coaches haven't delivered," Leao told CNN. "Managing Brazil is much harder than managing Real Madrid — here, an entire nation judges you."

Leao also questioned Ancelotti's understanding of local talent and his ability to connect culturally, warning that "his work will be very difficult."

His comments highlight the immense pressure that comes with managing Brazil, where every lineup decision sparks debate and every result feels like a verdict on the nation's footballing soul.

Best betting sites for Brazil World Cup odds

AllSportsPeople’ expert team have collated the UK’s best sports betting sites to wager on Brazil’s 2026 World Cup odds, plus where you can find the most competitive free bet sign up offers and welcome bonuses to get the best value on the Seleção next summer. 

Tips for betting on Brazil to win the World Cup

Timing your wager will be crucial if you want to secure the best odds across the wide range of markets available. It pays to shop around different bookmakers, as some may offer slightly longer prices on Brazil than others. Spotting those small discrepancies can give you a real edge and help you lock in the best value before the market shifts.

The big question is whether to place your bet now or hold off until closer to the tournament. Waiting allows you to gauge Brazil's form, tactics, and player fitness with more clarity, but it also carries the risk that the odds will shorten as optimism grows.

Their upcoming fixtures might also influence your decision. And don't overlook the pre-tournament friendlies in 2026, they'll be key indicators of form and momentum before the real action begins.

Brazil's route to the World Cup Final

Brazil's path to the final will only become clear once the World Cup draw is held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on December 5 at 10:30 p.m. IST.

Typically, the qualified nations are divided into four pots of 12 teams each, determined by the FIFA men's world rankings, with the top eight sides placed in Pot 1. For the 2026 edition, however, the three host nations, Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will automatically join the top five ranked teams to complete the first pot.

As per FIFA's confederation rules, no two teams from the same confederation can share a group, except for Europe, which will have two UEFA nations in each group due to its larger representation.