Thanks to their embarrassment of riches, Brazil head to Qatar ranked No1 in the world and as the tournament favourites.

It is 20 years since the Selecao lifted the World Cup trophy and with Neymar as their spearhead, they look well placed to do so again.

Handed a favourable group, Brazil will hope to pick up maximum points and carry that momentum into the knockouts.

Brazil's group stage fixtures and UK kick-off times

Brazil vs Serbia (Thursday, November 24, 7pm)

Brazil vs Switzerland (Monday, November 28, 4pm)

Cameroon vs Brazil (Friday, December 2, 7pm)

How Brazil qualified for Qatar 2022

South America’s marathon World Cup qualifying campaigns are not known for being straightforward, yet Brazil booked their spot with ease.

They won every home game they played and only drew against Colombia, Argentina and Ecuador on the road, finishing six points clear of their rivals.

Known for their style going forward, conceding only five goals in 17 games was perhaps their most impressive statistic.

How Brazil could line up

Alisson is Brazil’s No1 ahead of Ederson, while the experience backline of Danilo, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva and Alex Sandro should prove formidable.

Casemiro will be joined by either Lucas Paqueta, Fred or Bruno Guimaraes in midfield but up front is where it gets interesting.

Coach Tite is spoilt for choice, yet Neymar, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior and Richarlison are the four likely to get the nod at the start of the tournament.

Predicted XI: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Paqueta; Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Junior; Richarlison

Star man: Neymar

Gone is Brazil’s over-reliance on Neymar thanks to their vast array of attacking talent and young stars coming through.

But the 30-year-old remains the star attraction and will be desperate to lead their quest for a sixth World Cup.

With 11 goals and nine assists in Ligue 1 this term, Neymar is fit and firing and his record of 75 strikes in 121 caps is eye-catching.

One to watch: Vinicius Junior

While Vinicius is undoubtedly a bigger star at club level than Richarlison, on the international stage his record flatters to deceive.

The Real Madrid ace has one goal in 16 games, compared to Richarlison’s 17 in 38, yet that can all change in Qatar.

Vinicius has gone from strength to strength in the past 18 months for Real and is ready to become a bona fide world star for the Selecao.

The boss: Tite

Appointed when Brazil were in danger of missing out on the 2018 World Cup, Tite has been a revelation in his home country.

A quarter-final exit in Russia was followed by a triumphant 2019 Copa America campaign before a final defeat to Argentina in last year's edition of the continental tournament, meaning the 61-year-old will have extra motivation heading to the Middle East.

If qualifying is anything to go by, Tite knows how to get the best out of this squad and he could well leave Qatar a national hero.

Brazil’s official 26-man World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras)

Defenders: Dani Alves (Pumas), Danilo (Juventus), Alex Sandro (Juventus), Alex Telles (Sevilla), Bremer (Juventus), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo), Fabinho (Liverpool), Fred (Manchester United), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)

Forwards: Antony (Manchester United), Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)

All information correct as of November 18, 2022