Carlo Ancelotti (foto: Getty Images)
Brazil remains one of the favorites for the World Cup, but Carlo Ancelotti faces major questions over identity, balance, and expectations ahead of the opener against Morocco.
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Brazil remain football's most iconic World Cup nation, yet a remarkable statistic continues to hang over the Seleção.
The five-time world champions have not lifted football's biggest trophy since Ronaldo inspired victory over Germany in the 2002 final.
Nearly a quarter of a century later, Carlo Ancelotti begins his first World Cup campaign carrying the hopes of a nation desperate to return to the top.
Brazil open their tournament against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, but despite their status as favorites, confidence is not as high as many would expect.
A difficult road to the World Cup
Brazil's qualification campaign was far from convincing.
The South Americans finished fifth in the CONMEBOL standings, suffering six defeats in 18 matches and ending behind Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, and Uruguay.
They scored only 24 goals during qualification, an unusually low figure for a nation traditionally associated with attacking brilliance.
Those numbers highlight the challenge facing Ancelotti.
Brazil want results, but they also want entertaining football.
The Neymar dilemma
One of Ancelotti's most debated decisions has been the return of Neymar.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has not played for Brazil in more than two years and is not expected to feature in the opening match.
His inclusion has divided opinion across the country.
Some view him as a leader capable of inspiring the squad, while others question whether bringing back a 34-year-old player disrupts the team's evolution.
The relationship between Neymar and the current squad could become one of the tournament's most fascinating storylines.
Experience meets youth
Ancelotti has also recalled Casemiro, ending the midfielder's 18-month absence from the national team.
The former Real Madrid star is expected to partner Bruno Guimarães in midfield, adding leadership and experience to the side.
Further forward, Brazil possess no shortage of talent.
Vinícius Júnior remains the team's biggest attacking threat, while Matheus Cunha is expected to play a central role in attack.
At the back, Brazil arguably boast one of the strongest defensive pairings in the competition.
Gabriel and Marquinhos combine physicality, leadership, and experience at the highest level, giving Brazil a solid foundation.
The biggest question
Brazil's attacking quality is unquestioned.
The concern is what happens when they do not have possession.
Ancelotti has repeatedly spoken about sacrifice, discipline, and collective effort, emphasizing that individual ambitions must come second to the team's objectives.
Those comments suggest he is aware of the challenge ahead.
Brazil have often looked vulnerable when forced to defend as a unit, and that weakness has contributed to several disappointing exits in recent tournaments.
A huge opportunity
Winning Group C could significantly improve Brazil's path through the knockout rounds.
Finishing first would likely avoid heavyweight opponents such as Spain or France until much later in the competition.
That makes the opening clash against Morocco particularly important.
Brazil unquestionably have the manager, the talent, and the history to challenge for the trophy.
Whether they possess the balance and consistency required to end their 24-year wait for World Cup glory remains the question that only the tournament itself can answer.