Vinicius points out the top 4 favorites to win the 2026 World Cup

Vinicius Junior is anticipated to captain Brazil at the 2026 World Cup during Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure. Before the competition, the Real Madrid player unexpectedly rated Argentina and Portugal among the leading candidates for the championship.

Vinicius Junior is expected to spearhead Brazil’s squad at the 2026 World Cup in the Carlo Ancelotti era. Prior to the event, the Real Madrid talent surprisingly identified Argentina and Portugal as prime contenders for the trophy.

As the reigning champions, Argentina must prove their 2022 Qatar triumph was not a one-time feat, while Portugal is going through one of its most promising phases in recent years. Although Messi and Ronaldo are both nearing the end of their careers, these two teams still have squads capable of competing for the crown, alongside several other strong contenders.

In a conversation with Spanish YouTuber Ibai Llanos, Vinicius was asked about the teams he respects the most. The Brazilian player answered frankly: “There are many strong teams, but I really like the way Portugal plays, then Spain, France, and Argentina. In my opinion, these four teams have the best squads because they have played together for a long time. Since the last World Cup, they have changed very few players, and that makes a difference.”

The 25-year-old forward emphasized that stability is a crucial factor in forming a genuine title contender. When asked specifically about Spain, Vinicius did not hesitate: “Spain is always very strong. They have many young talents and experienced players of high quality. They performed well at the EURO, and I believe they will also do very well at the World Cup.”

Brazil remains one of the most historically prestigious teams in world football. However, compared to the teams Vinicius mentioned like Portugal, Spain, France, and Argentina, Selecao has lacked stability in recent years. Since the 2022 World Cup, Brazil has gone through four different coaches and currently ranks fifth in the South American qualifiers. Nonetheless, confidence within the squad remains intact.

Vinicius admitted that his biggest dream is to win the World Cup with Brazil, and he believes Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival has changed the atmosphere: “The coach has somewhat altered how fans perceive us. The team has played better since he arrived. We feel happier and calmer. He brings the necessary composure, even though the whole country demands a lot since Brazil hasn’t won in a long time.”

The Real Madrid star also highlighted the special significance of the World Cup in his homeland: “In Brazil, the World Cup is very different. When the tournament takes place, there are no schools, no work at all. The entire country seems to stop.”

After a series of disappointing results, the Brazilian Football Confederation appointed Ancelotti in the latter half of 2025. The Italian strategist left Real Madrid after more than three decades in Europe to take charge of a national team for the first time in his career.

In six matches under Ancelotti, Brazil has recorded three wins, one draw, and two losses. Before the World Cup begins, they have four friendlies to fine-tune the squad. Although lacking the long-term stability of the top contenders Vinicius mentioned, the 2000-born forward and his teammates still believe Selecao can return as a serious title contender at the world’s biggest football festival.