Alisson: Brazil’s Underdog Status Could Be Key to World Cup Success

Alisson Becker, the Brazilian goalkeeper and Liverpool FC player, has expressed that Brazil’s absence from the list of top contenders for the 2026 World Cup might turn into a positive factor. He emphasized that the history of the ‘Seleção’ proves its ability to achieve success when expectations are low.

Speaking to the media from the team’s training camp in New Jersey, Alisson noted that the atmosphere within the squad is different compared to previous periods. He stressed that the team has shown significant improvement in performance since the arrival of Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Alisson pointed out that the current coaching staff has successfully addressed many issues that had affected the team’s results in recent years, which has been reflected in player performance and team stability ahead of the tournament.

Brazilian fans are eager to end a long wait and reclaim the World Cup title, which has eluded them since 2002 when Brazil won its fifth championship despite not being the leading favorite at that time.

The goalkeeper believes that the current situation is reminiscent of that historic edition, as Brazil is again not at the top of the favorites list. This may provide players with an opportunity to work without excessive pressure and focus on their ultimate goal: winning the title.

The Brazilian national team secured its place in the finals after a challenging journey through South American qualifiers, finishing in fifth place amid successive coaching changes before settling on Ancelotti to lead this new project.

Brazil will kick off its campaign with a tough match against Morocco at MetLife Stadium, as part of Group C, in a game expected to attract significant public and media attention.

In recent years, Brazil has struggled to regain its global glory, having exited from the quarter-finals in four of the last five World Cups. The heavy defeat against Germany, losing 7-1 in the semi-finals of 2014, remains fresh in fans’ memories.