World Cup Hero

The story of Brazil - England

Iconische duels: 1962, 1970 (Banks redt van Pelé), 2002 (Ronaldinho).

Brazil vs England compared

Brazil — chances and analysis

For the first time in the modern era, no Brazilian on the bench: Carlo Ancelotti coaches the Seleção. That alone is a mini-revolution in a country where 'jeitinho brasileiro' trumps European discipline. But Ancelotti knows Vinícius and Rodrygo inside out from Real Madrid, and he brings something Brazil have been missing for twenty years: calm under pressure. The attack is solid — Vinícius, Raphinha, Rodrygo, Endrick, plus Neymar if fit. Defence remains the eternal question. Morocco in Group C is anything but a formality (they beat Spain in 2022). A sixth title — first since 2002 — would set everything right. Brazil are always candidates; just no longer favourites.

→ Full Brazil profile

England — chances and analysis

England have reached at least the semi-final of every major tournament since 2018 — and missed out on the trophy every time. This is the Bellingham, Foden, Saka and Kane generation, and it's literally now or never. Tuchel was appointed in 2024 to deliver the one thing Southgate couldn't: a trophy. Tuchel won the Champions League with Chelsea and knows tournament football. Group L with Croatia looks tough on paper, but England are enough of a favourite to win it. Strength: midfield depth. Weakness: still the mental block on penalties. It would be poetic if England became world champions again 60 years after 1966 — but English poetry rarely ends well.

→ Full England profile