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Unfancied Brazil will stay sharp at the World Cup, Casemiro says
TL;DR
Brazil midfielder Casemiro believes their underdog status at the World Cup 2026 could be advantageous. Despite being the most decorated team, Brazil has not won the trophy in 24 years and is currently behind other favorites like Spain, France, and England.
Key points
- Casemiro believes Brazil's underdog status could be beneficial
- Brazil has not won the World Cup in 24 years
- They are ranked behind Spain, France, and England for the upcoming tournament
World Cup 2026BrazilSpainFrance
Brazil midfielder Casemiro believes being a “step behind” other World Cup 2026 favourites could work in the team’s favour when the tournament kicks off in North America next week.
Brazil are the only team to have played in every World Cup and are also the tournament’s most decorated side with five titles.
Yet they have gone 24 years without lifting the trophy, and bookmakers have placed Brazil behind European champions Spain, 2018 World Cup winners France and England to win the June 11-July 19 tournament.
“We aren’t the big favourites,” Casemiro told FIFA’s media channel after his team arrived in the United States on Tuesday. “Of course, we’re in good shape. We’ve got a strong squad with a mix of experience and young talent.”
“Perhaps this time we’re a step behind, but we’re on our toes, and that’s always a good thing.
“We want to go there in good shape and have a great World Cup.”
Neymar Jr and the rest of the Brazil squad arrive for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Newark Liberty International Airport on June 2, 2026 [Caean Couto/Imagn Images via Reuters]
The 34-year-old said the South American giants had a “difficult cycle” in the build-up to the World Cup with the Brazilian Football Confederation appointing Italian Carlo Ancelotti as coach and naming a new president last year.
“It has been a difficult cycle with a change of manager, a change of president and a lot of turmoil,” he added.
“We have only had one year working with the manager, who has excellent experience in football, but in reality, 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 mix for this competition.”
Brazil open their Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, before facing Haiti on June 19 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and playing Scotland on June 24 in Miami, Florida.
Q&A
Why is Brazil considered an underdog in the World Cup 2026?
Brazil is seen as an underdog because bookmakers have ranked them behind teams like Spain, France, and England, despite their historical success.
How many World Cups has Brazil won?
Brazil has won the World Cup five times, making them the most decorated team in the tournament's history.
When does the World Cup 2026 tournament start?
The World Cup 2026 tournament is set to kick off on June 11 and run until July 19.
