Casemiro: Brazil's 'step behind' status could be an advantage at World Cup 2026
Quick Look
- Brazil midfielder Casemiro believes being considered a step behind favorites like Spain, France, and England for the World Cup 2026 could benefit the team.
- Despite Brazil's rich history, they haven't won the trophy in 24 years.
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Why It Matters
Brazil, the only team to have played in every World Cup and the most decorated side with five titles, has not won the trophy in 24 years. Bookmakers place them behind Spain, France, and England for the 2026 tournament.
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.”
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.
Open Questions
- Will Brazil's perceived underdog status translate into on-field success?
- How will the team perform under Carlo Ancelotti with limited preparation time?
- Can Brazil overcome their 24-year World Cup drought?
