It is 20 years since Brazil last won the World Cup but they are favourites to do just that in Qatar and put a sixth star on their shirt.
A rock-solid platform at the back, with just five goals conceded during the unbeaten 17-match qualifying campaign, combined with the trademark flare and excitement in attack is a fairly potent combination.
Here’s everything you need to know about Brazil…
Coach: Tite. Led Brazil to the Copa America on home soil in 2019. Standing down after the tournament, the 61-year-old wants to end on the ultimate high.
Captain: Thiago Silva. The Chelsea defender is playing at his fourth World Cup. Led his country in 2014, though he was suspended for that Germany mauling.
Star player: Neymar. Two goals away from Pele’s all-time Brazil record – it is never boring.
One to watch: Richarlison. The Tottenham forward has had his preparations disrupted by injury but he led the line in both September friendlies and scored three goals.
World ranking: 1
Odds: 7/2
Best thing about them: Incredible depth in attack, most of Brazil’s nine forwards would be guaranteed starters for other countries.
Worst thing about them: Have fallen short in big knockout matches in recent World Cups - can they deliver considering the expectation?
Their prospects in three words: Team to beat.
Fixtures (all times GMT)
- November 24 vs Serbia (7pm)
- November 28 vs Switzerland (4pm)
- December 2 vs Cameroon (7pm)
Squad in full
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, Weverton.
Defenders: Dani Alves, Danilo, Alex Sandro, Alex Telles, Bremer, Eder Militao, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva.
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Everton Ribeiro, Fabinho, Fred, Lucas Paqueta.
Forwards: Antony, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Neymar, Pedro, Raphinha, Richarlison, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr.
