Brazil head into the 2022 World Cup as slight favourites to win the tournament, and it isn’t hard to see why. With world-class talent in every position, they have all of the attributes needed to go on and seal a record sixth title.
While much of the personnel has changed since the last World Cup in Russia, one constant for Brazil is the coach, with Tite still in charge.
The former Corinthians manager helped guide the Selecao to a first Copa America title in more than a decade, after they beat Peru in the final of the 2019 edition on home soil. Brazil followed that up with a stellar World Cup qualifying campaign, which saw them win 14 of their 17 matches to top COMNEBOL qualifying.
If they are to go all the way in Qatar, the side’s strong Premier League contingent will be key. It begins with two world-class goalkeepers in the form of Liverpool’s Alisson and Ederson of Manchester City, and Tite has found it understandably challenging to pick which of the two he should play.
Just in front of them, the likes of Thiago Silva and Marquinhos, one-time centre-back partners at Paris Saint-Germain, will look to create a strong base from which the creative players can flourish.
Manchester United’s new big-money duo of Casemiro and Antony will look to strike up an understanding at club level that they can carry into Qatar, while additional Premier League firepower comes in the form of Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz and Newcastle United hero Bruno Guimaraes.
For as much quality as Brazil have in midfield and defence, it is at the sharp end of the pitch where the five-time world champions really have an embarrassment of riches. Alongside the phenomenally talented Neymar, Brazil are also bolstered by one of the best young players in world football right now in Vinicius Junior.
Fresh from scoring the winning goal in the 2022 Champions League final, he will also be joined by the likes of Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus – two players who both moved to North London clubs this summer.
On paper, Brazil have all the ingredients needed to finally end their 20-year wait for a World Cup title. Expectations will naturally be sky-high in Qatar, but if it all comes together as many are expecting, Tite’s squad could be unstoppable.
Manager: Tite
Star player: Neymar
One to Watch: Vinicius Junior
World Cups appeared in: ALL (22)
Winner: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002 (5)
Fixtures: Nov 24 – Brazil v Serbia / Nov 28 – Brazil v Switzerland / Dec 2 – Cameroon v Brazil
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
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The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe
Price, base: Dh201,153
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 204hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 300Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
Read more from Johann Chacko
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
The specs
The specs: 2019 Audi Q8
Price, base: Dh315,000
Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 340hp @ 3,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 2,250rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
Zimbabwe v UAE, ODI series
All matches at the Harare Sports Club
- 1st ODI, Wednesday, April 10
- 2nd ODI, Friday, April 12
- 3rd ODI, Sunday, April 14
- 4th ODI, Sunday, April 16
Squads:
- UAE: Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
- Zimbabwe: Peter Moor (captain), Solomon Mire, Brian Chari, Regis Chakabva, Sean Williams, Timycen Maruma, Sikandar Raza, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Craig Ervine, Brandon Mavuta, Ainsley Ndlovu, Tony Munyonga, Elton Chigumbura
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
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ELECTION%20RESULTS
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The low down
Producers: Uniglobe Entertainment & Vision Films
Director: Namrata Singh Gujral
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Nargis Fakhri, Bo Derek, Candy Clark
Rating: 2/5
