The yellow jersey is heavy. Honestly, if you’ve ever sat in the Maracanã when things aren’t going well, you can feel that weight in the air. It’s thick. For the football Brazil national team, the last twenty-four years have been a long, sometimes painful exercise in "what if." We’ve seen the magic of Ronaldinho fade, the heartbreak of 2014, and the quarter-final "curse" that seems to strike every four years like clockwork.
But something feels different right now. As we hit January 2026, the vibe around the Seleção has shifted from panicked desperation to a sort of quiet, focused confidence.
Why? It’s not just the players. It’s the guy on the touchline.
The Ancelotti Factor: A Foreign Revolution
For decades, the idea of a non-Brazilian coaching the football Brazil national team was basically heresy. You just didn't do it. But after the Dorival Júnior era sputtered out in early 2025 following a rough 4-1 loss to Argentina, the CBF finally pulled the trigger on Carlo Ancelotti.
It was a massive gamble.
"Don Carlo" arrived in May 2025 and, frankly, he didn't have much time to breathe. He took over a team that was sitting fifth in the CONMEBOL qualifiers—unheard of for Brazil. But the Italian didn't try to reinvent the wheel. He didn't come in demanding they play like a European tactical machine. Instead, he did what he does best: he managed the egos and found the right seats for the right people.
The results speak for themselves. Brazil finished the qualifying cycle with 28 points, safely securing their spot in North America. They’ve gone from looking lost to looking like a team that actually enjoys playing together again. It’s the "Ancelotti touch"—that weird, inexplicable ability to make world-class players feel like they're just kids playing in the park.
✨ Don't miss: Kurt Warner Height: What Most People Get Wrong About the QB Legend
What's Really Going On With Neymar?
You can't talk about Brazil without talking about the number 10. Neymar is 33 now. He’s back at Santos, playing in the Brasileirão, which actually started early this January to accommodate the World Cup schedule.
There was a lot of talk that Ancelotti might move on from him. In late 2025, Carlo even said he didn't "owe anyone anything," which people took as a shot at Ney. But here’s the reality: a fit Neymar is still the most creative force this team has.
He’s currently betting on stability. By staying at Santos through 2026, he's avoiding the physical grind of Europe to ensure his legs are ready for June. He’s not the lightning-fast winger he was in 2014, but as a "10" or a false nine? He’s still a nightmare for defenders.
The New Guard: Estêvão and the Chelsea Connection
If Neymar is the past and present, Estêvão Willian is the future. The kid is 18 and already looks like he’s playing a different sport. Chelsea fans are already drooling, but for the football Brazil national team, he’s been the spark they desperately needed on the right wing.
In October 2025, he tore South Korea apart, scoring twice in a 5-0 drubbing. He’s got that "Ginga" that people always talk about—that rhythmic, unpredictable movement that makes you think he’s about to fall over right before he nutmegs a defender.
He’s not the only youngster making waves:
🔗 Read more: Juan Carlos Gabriel de Anda: Why the Controversial Sportscaster Still Matters
- Endrick: He’s 19 now. Things were a bit rocky at Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso, so he’s currently on loan at Lyon. He needs minutes. Ancelotti told him straight up: play or you won't make the plane.
- Andrey Santos: The Chelsea midfielder (currently on loan) has become the engine in the middle. He provides the steel that allows the attackers to cheat a little on defense.
- Vitor Roque: Now at Palmeiras, he’s pushing Richarlison for that starting striker spot.
The Tactical Shift: More Than Just "Joga Bonito"
Historically, Brazil has been accused of being too top-heavy. All attack, no protection. Ancelotti has balanced that out. He’s been using a 4-2-3-1 that often looks like a 4-4-2 when they don't have the ball.
Casemiro is still there—the veteran anchor. Even at 33, his positioning is elite. Beside him, Bruno Guimarães has become indispensable. Bruno is the transition king; he wins the ball and immediately finds Vinícius Jr. or Rodrygo.
Speaking of Vini Jr., he’s finally starting to replicate his Real Madrid form for the national team. For a while, it was frustrating. He’d beat three guys and then hit the first defender with the cross. Under Ancelotti's familiar guidance, he’s playing more centrally at times, which has opened up space for the full-backs like Vanderson and Caio Henrique to fly forward.
The World Cup Group: No Easy Rides
The draw for the 2026 World Cup happened in December, and Brazil ended up in Group C. It’s a tricky one.
- Morocco: The 2022 semi-finalists are no joke. Their defense is disciplined and they thrive on the counter.
- Scotland: They bring a physicality that can frustrate South American teams.
- Haiti: This should be the "banker" win, but you never know.
If Brazil wins the group, their path looks decent, but they’ve been burnt by "easier" paths before. The memory of the Croatia loss in Qatar still stings. That was a game they should have closed out.
Why This Team Might Actually Win It
Look, every four years we say "this is the year." But there are actual, tangible reasons to believe in this squad.
💡 You might also like: Ja Morant Height: Why the NBA Star Looks Bigger Than He Actually Is
First, they aren't as dependent on Neymar as they were in 2018. If he gets injured, Vinícius and Rodrygo are seasoned veterans of Champions League finals. They don't shrink in big moments.
Second, the defense is quietly great. Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos are arguably the best center-back pairing in international football right now. They are physically dominant and comfortable on the ball.
Third, the goalkeeping situation is a luxury. Having Alisson and Ederson is basically cheating. Most teams struggle to find one world-class keeper; Brazil has two and can’t decide which one to start.
Common Misconceptions About the Seleção
People think the football Brazil national team is always about flair. In reality, their most successful teams (1994, 2002) were built on incredibly solid defensive foundations.
Another myth: that they hate playing "boring" football. Ask any Brazilian fan if they’d take a 1-0 win in the final. They’d take it in a heartbeat. The drought has lasted long enough that the "style" debate has taken a backseat to the "trophy" debate.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're following the team's progress toward the summer, here is what you should be watching:
- The March FIFA Break: This is the final dress rehearsal. Watch how Ancelotti handles the midfield. If he sticks with the Casemiro-Guimarães pivot, that’s your World Cup starting lineup.
- Neymar’s Fitness at Santos: Check the match reports from the Paulistão. If he’s playing 90 minutes consistently without "feeling" his ankle, he’s a lock for the starting XI.
- The Right-Back Battle: It’s the one position that still feels "open." Watch Danilo and Vanderson. Whoever starts the friendly in March is likely the guy for the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup is going to be a home game of sorts for Brazil. The diaspora in the US is massive. Every stadium they play in will be a sea of yellow. With Ancelotti’s brain and the raw talent of Estêvão and Vini Jr., the sixth star doesn't feel like a dream anymore. It feels like a possibility.
Keep an eye on the squad announcement in May. That will tell us everything we need to know about Ancelotti's final vision.