Alisson says doubts around Brazil at this World Cup could help the five-time champions, who start their campaign against Morocco on Saturday. Opta’s supercomputer makes Brazil only the sixth favourites, with a 6.6% chance of winning, behind Spain, France, England, Argentina and Portugal in the projected title rankings.

The squad now works under Carlo Ancelotti, and Alisson believes that change matters more than outside opinion. “Since Ancelotti came in, the atmosphere has been transformed.” “He has such a strong presence and doesn’t focus on controversial issues.” The goalkeeper feels that mindset is crucial before Brazil face Group C opponents Morocco.

Brazil have qualified for every World Cup edition, taking part in all 23 tournaments since 1930. They have lifted the trophy more often than any other nation and hold the best overall win rate, with 76 victories from 114 matches, a 67% success rate that underlines their long-term status among global contenders.

Despite that historic dominance, Brazil have not been world champions since 2002. They have reached the quarter-finals at each of the last five tournaments, yet progressed beyond that stage only once. That deeper run came in 2014, when they finished fourth on home soil after the 7-1 semi-final loss to Germany.

Recent group-stage form remains strong. Brazil have finished top of their first-round group at every World Cup since 1982. They are unbeaten in 20 straight opening matches, with 17 wins and three draws. Their last defeat in a World Cup opener was in 1934, when Spain beat them 3-1.

Those numbers contrast with more difficult experiences in later knockout rounds against European opposition. Belgium eliminated Brazil in 2018, while Croatia progressed on penalties in Qatar. “On what happened in the past, I think in football you can’t afford to spend time wallowing,” Alisson added, stressing the importance of focusing on the present tournament.

Alisson also reflected on recent cycles for the national team. “The current team has different characteristics compared to past sides.” “That last period was very difficult for all the players, for various reasons.” “The most important thing is how we feel now, and we hope that translates into us getting a good result against Morocco.”

For Alisson, external scepticism mirrors Brazil’s situation before their last global triumph. “It is a good thing that there are some doubts about the team, because that has been the case on other occasions in the past,” Alisson pointed out. The goalkeeper expects that under Ancelotti, the group will be judged mainly by performances on the pitch.

Preparations for the Group C opener continue with a tight schedule at Brazil’s base.