Brazil’s Road to the 2026 World Cup: Lineup, Predictions, and New Tournament Format
Brazil prepares with a strong squad as expert forecasts rank it fourth in chances and the World Cup features an expanded 48-team format with three host countries.
- • Spain is predicted to win the 2026 World Cup, with Brazil ranked fourth in chances behind Spain, Argentina, and France.
- • Brazil is set to start the tournament with eight players from their 2022 starting lineup against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey.
- • The 2026 tournament expands to 48 teams across three host countries, increasing groups to 12 and matches to 104.
- • New tiebreak criteria prioritize head-to-head results, with knockout matches proceeding to extra time and penalties if needed.
Key details
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off soon, Brazil is gearing up to defend its storied football legacy amid new tournament dynamics and strong competition. According to the Spanish newspaper 'Marca,' using an Elo rating system adapted from chess, Spain is forecasted to win the tournament, defeating reigning champions Argentina in the final. Brazil ranks fourth in championship chances behind Spain, Argentina, and France.
Brazil’s team lineup reflects a blend of experience and continuity. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to field eight starters from Brazil’s 2022 World Cup squad in their opening match against Morocco on June 13, scheduled for 19h Brasília time in New Jersey. Key players projected to start include goalkeeper Alisson, defenders Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, and Alex Sandro, midfielders Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá, and forwards Raphinha, Vinícius Júnior, and Matheus Cunha. Morocco is regarded as the strongest rival in the group, presenting a challenging opener for Brazil's hexacampeonato quest. Notably, twelve players from the 2022 roster made the 2026 squad, strengthening Brazil’s foundation.
The 2026 World Cup introduces major structural changes as the first tournament hosted by three countries and expanded to 48 teams from 32. This increase results in 12 groups instead of 8 during the group stage and a total of 104 matches, up from 64. The knockout phase will feature the top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-place teams, adding new layers of competition. Tiebreakers for the group stage have been revised, prioritizing head-to-head results before goal difference and goals scored, incorporating fair play points, and ultimately FIFA rankings if needed. The knockout matches will maintain the 90-minute regulation time with extra time and penalties if matches are drawn.
This combination of Brazil’s stable lineup, intense group stage competition, and a novel tournament format sets the stage for a dramatically different but thrilling 2026 World Cup, with Brazil aiming to rise against fierce rivals and conquer new challenges on the global stage.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
