Brazil Still Pose World Cup Threat Despite Muted Start and Neymar Fitness Doubts

Brazil's opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup failed to spark the kind of excitement their supporters usually demand, though that flat start was hardly out of step with a qualifying period that also left little to shout about. Even after sharing a 1-1 result with Morocco — a top-ten side already looking like a serious challenger — it would be rash to write off a country that has won the trophy five times and keeps producing players of exceptional ability.

The Seleção step into this tournament carrying the same burden they face at every World Cup: anything short of victory will be judged a disappointment, and 2026 is unlikely to break that pattern.

As is customary, Brazil should field one of the strongest attacking units in the competition, mixing seasoned performers with young talents shaped by the joga bonito approach.

The main talking point, however, is fitness. Neymar Jr, their top scorer and a player facing his final World Cup, remains under a cloud. Injuries have shadowed the forward for much of his career, and he is now working back from a grade-two muscle tear in his right calf that kept him out of the opening fixture.

Among the players worth tracking are Vinicius Jr, Kendrick, Raphinha and Neymar. Brazil are grouped with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in Group C.