Brazil
Five-time champions, the most decorated nation in the sport, forever measured against their own history. Attack led by Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior; the goal protected by Liverpool's Alisson.
What the world is saying
The global narrative on Brazil is "unconvincing favourites in name only." A turgid 1-1 draw with Morocco drew alarm from the international press, who saw a nervy, ageing side rescued only by Vinicius Jr; a routine 3-0 win over Haiti steadied things but persuaded few. Pundits and bookmakers have downgraded the Selecao, with Ancelotti and a sluggish Casemiro the focus of cross-border scrutiny, while France and Spain are seen as the real contenders.
Al Jazeera· Qatarcriticism
Called the Morocco draw a shaky start showing signs of nerves and said Brazil will have to vastly improve to go far, crediting Vinicius for a magic moment.[source]
Goal.com power rankings· United Kingdomcriticism
Ranked Brazil only 7th, saying they were indebted to the brilliance of Vinicius Jr and escaped with a point from a display that bordered on shambolic at times.[source]
Goal.com· United Kingdomcriticism
Branded the opener the dictionary definition of an underwhelming start and urged Ancelotti to bench Casemiro, who looked every bit his age and a shadow of his Manchester United self.[source]
ESPN· United Statesneutral
On the 3-0 Haiti win, noted Brazil looked markedly improved from their insipid opening draw but were flattered by generous defending and could have scored more.[source]
Matches
Group CFull timePhiladelphia
Brazil3–0Haiti
Brazil shifted through the gears in Philadelphia, a comfortable 3–0 over Haiti restoring order after their opening-day stalemate with Morocco.
Group CFull timeEast Rutherford
Brazil1–1Morocco
A heavyweight draw at MetLife. Ismael Saibari put 2022 semi-finalists Morocco ahead on 21 minutes before Vinícius Júnior levelled for Brazil eleven minutes l…