Brazil is aiming for a record-breaking sixth world title at the tournament to be held in North America in 2026.
Published June 3, 2026
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro believes being “a step behind” among the 2026 World Cup favorites could work in his team’s favor when the tournament begins in North America next week.
Brazil is the only team to have played in every World Cup and is also the team with the most titles in the competition.
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But 24 years have passed without a trophy being lifted and bookmakers have placed Brazil behind European champions Spain, 2018 World Cup winners France and England as winners of the tournament, which will be held from June 11 to July 19.
“We are not big favorites,” Casemiro told FIFA’s media channel after the team arrived in the United States on Tuesday. “Of course we are doing well. We have a strong team with a combination of experience and young talent.”
“Maybe this time we’re a step behind, but we’re working hard and that’s always a good thing.
“We want to go there in good shape and have a great World Cup.”
The 34-year-old said the South American giants had gone through a “difficult cycle” in their preparations for the World Cup after the Brazilian Football Federation appointed Italian Carlo Ancelotti as manager last year and appointed a new president.
“It’s been a difficult cycle, with a change of manager, a change of president and a lot of turmoil,” he added.
“We have only been working together for a year, with a coach who has great experience in football, but in fact we have only worked together for 40 days. I think we will go into the tournament in strong form.”
“We have quality players, experienced players, energetic players and young players. I think we have a good combination for this tournament.”
Brazil opens Group C against Morocco on June 13th in East Rutherford, New Jersey, followed by Haiti on June 19th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Scotland on June 24th in Miami, Florida.
The FIFA World Cup begins on June 11th. Al Jazeera’s dedicated 2026 World Cup page has all the latest news, match developments and live text commentary to keep you up to date with group standings, real-time results and schedules.
