Five-time winners Brazil are approaching a World Cup with a different flavour, no longer among the dominant favourites as in the past, but still considered one of the potential contenders.
Expectations remain high, and after the exclusive words from Alexandre Pato, Denílson also wanted to share his point of view with Flashscore on the new era under Carlo Ancelotti.
The former Seleção midfielder looks to the team with confidence and expects a positive impact right from Brazil's tournament opener against Morocco, a key match to set the tone for the tournament.
Former Sao Paulo and Real Betis star Denilson said that the country is glad to have Ancelotti: "Brazil is very happy with Ancelotti's arrival. He has brought great respect and prestige back to the Brazilian national team, which at one point had lost a bit of that perception."
Ancelotti won a plethora of trophies with Real Madrid before joining Brazil in May 2025. Denilson believes the sheer experience of the three-time UEFA Champions League winner is a huge positive for the team.
"Carlo Ancelotti's experience in the football world gives us hope for this World Cup. However, it's also his first experience leading a national team at a World Cup, and an important one like Brazil at that. I imagine he, too, is eager to start this adventure.
"The most important thing is the knowledge he brings and the respect he has restored to the Seleção. We hope that, starting from the debut against Morocco, Brazil can secure a win."
'There's no room for mistakes'
Brazil surprisingly struggled in the South American qualifying cycle, finishing nine points behind leaders Argentina after losing six of their 18 games. To Denilson, the Seleção's qualifying struggles no longer matter.
"We didn't have an easy path to reach the World Cup. But everything that's been done up to now no longer matters. Now we have to look ahead. I believe Ancelotti already has the team he wants to start this World Cup with in mind. It's the most important tournament of all, but it lasts just over thirty days, and there's no room for mistakes."
A good start to the tournament could help Brazil get well on their way, with 7th-ranked Morocco being the hardest group opponent on paper.
"I hope Brazil starts well against Morocco and can maintain this level until the end of the tournament," said Denilson, who won the tournament in 2002.
"Mentally, the World Cup gives you incredible emotions as a player," he continued.
"There are millions of footballers who dream of and chase the chance to play in a World Cup. For this reason, I wish the players experiencing the 2026 World Cup to truly feel the atmosphere, to get emotional, to play football with joy and to have fun on the pitch, because the World Cup is something unique," Denilson said while pointing out the impact of the current tournament.
"Just look at the impact it has: today, here in the United States, there is media from all over the world to cover this extraordinary event."
The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament will feature 48 national teams and will be played in 16 modern stadiums.
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