Brazil

Brazil, the Seleção, are the most successful nation in World Cup history and the spiritual home of beautiful, joyful football — the jogo bonito. Synonymous with legends from Pelé to Ronaldo to Neymar, the five-time champions carry the weight of global expectation and the adoration of a soccer-mad nation in their iconic yellow shirts.

Brazil have won a record five World Cups, in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002, and are the only nation to have played in every edition of the tournament. The 1970 side, led by Pelé, is widely regarded as the greatest team ever assembled. Their history also holds deep scars: the 'Maracanazo' final loss to Uruguay in 1950 on home soil, and the shocking 7-1 semifinal defeat to Germany when hosting in 2014. Through triumph and heartbreak, Brazil remain football's most decorated and beloved power.