Who could Brazil face en route to the World Cup final? We’ve mapped out their avenues to glory now they've progressed past the group stage.
Brazil 9998/1 are among the heavy favourites when reviewing this year’s World Cup winner odds, and as the excitement for the 2026 World Cup heats up, many eyes are on A Seleção’s possible World Cup route to the final.
But as they aim to extend their record and win a sixth World Cup, who are Brazil expected to face along the way? In this article, we’ve detailed Brazil’s World Cup route and dates we can expect them to play each round. Alternatively, if you’re ready to bet on Brazil’s games, explore the latest World Cup betting odds.
Brazil’s odds of progressing through each round
Before we dive into Brazil’s route to the World Cup final, let’s take a look at what odds they’re given of reaching each round (at the minimum).
Round | Odds of reaching the round |
Round of 16 | 1/3 |
Quarter final | 5000/1 |
Semi final | 5000/1 |
Final | 5000/1 |
Who did Brazil play in the group phase?
Brazil ended the 2026 World Cup group phase unbeaten, after recording wins against Scotland and Haiti, and a draw vs Morocco. They topped group C on goal difference in the end; with Morocco placing second, their head to head record was even!
Brazil’s route to the final
So, what about life beyond the group stage? Who can we expect Brazil to line up against at the knockout stage on their route to the World Cup final?
Round | Potential opponent |
Round of 32 | Japan |
Round of 16 | Norway |
Quarter final | England |
Semi final | Argentina |
Final | France |
Round of 32
June 29th vs Japan
After Brazil dispatched group C, they faced the second-best side from group F: Japan. The Japanese took a surprise lead, but second half goals from Casemiro and Martinelli secured victory for Brazil.
Round of 16
July 5th vs Norway
Having negotiated the round of 32, Brazil’s opponent at the round of 16 stage will be the winner of the game between the runner up in groups E and I. Based on the latest odds, we can anticipate the match up to pit Ecuador vs Norway, with Haaland and co. expected to triumph and earn a battle with Brazil. While Norway will be no slouches, Brazil will hope the game is a formality, with tougher foes to face later on in the tournament…
Quarter final
July 11th vs England
Next up, we’re at the business end of the tournament. In the quarter final, the quality really ramps up, with Brazil’s most likely opponents set to be 1966 victors England, hoping for a first World Cup title in 60 years. See England’s possible routes to the World Cup final, to see how the Three Lions might reach this stage and beyond.
Semi final
July 15th vs Argentina
At the semi final stage, should Brazil progress, the South Americans should expect to face a continental old rival in Argentina (incidentally, explore Argentina’s possible routes to the World Cup final). Head-to-head, these two teams have been exceptionally even over the years, with each winning around 45 apiece, though recent fortunes have favoured Argentina, who are unbeaten in five against Brazil. So beating Lionel Messi and co. to reach the World Cup final would be extremely welcome.
If the current holders don’t make it through to the final four, though, Brazil could instead come up against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
World Cup final
July 19th vs France
So, Brazil have topped their group and muscled their way through each knockout round so far. Who are they likely to face in the final, 90 minutes from glory and an astonishing sixth World Cup crown?
Well, if Brazil are going to win the World Cup, they’re going to have to beat a France side determined to win a second World Cup title in three attempts (in their third final in a row). Interested to see how the French might get to this point? See France’s possible routes to the World Cup final.
If not France, Brazil could come up against Spain or Germany.
