The Brazilian national football team has touched down in the United States, arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport to an extraordinary welcome. In a moment that felt like a positive omen, the squad was greeted by a rainbow, setting the stage for the much-anticipated 2026 World Cup.
Led by the experienced Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil enters this tournament driven by a singular goal: securing a record-extending sixth World Cup title and ending a drought that has lasted 24 years. However, the journey to glory is clouded by a mixture of hope and trepidation.
Unlike the legendary squads of Brazil's past, the current roster faces several critical questions. Most notably, Ancelotti's decision to make a late call-up for 34-year-old Neymar has sparked significant debate. The star midfielder is currently battling a grade-two calf injury that typically requires two to three weeks of recovery. Despite the risk, Ancelotti remains optimistic that Neymar will be fit in time for Brazil's opening Group C clash against Morocco on June 13, followed by matches against Haiti and Scotland.
In an effort to maintain stability, Ancelotti has opted for unprecedented continuity, including 15 players who featured in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar—the highest number of returnees in the history of the Brazilian squad. This reliance on experience comes after a challenging CONMEBOL qualifying campaign where the team finished in fifth place, yet the expectations from fans and analysts remain sky-high.
The 66-year-old Ancelotti, renowned for winning league titles across all of Europe's top five leagues, maintains a grounded approach to the tournament. "Compete with the other rivals, try to do our best, and work hard. The expectation is the same as always from everyone in Brazil," Ancelotti stated. While acknowledging that there is no clear favorite in this edition of the tournament, he expressed confidence that Brazil will be competitive against any squad in the world.
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Brazil's World Cup squad lands in the US amid hope and uncertainty
cgtn.com
