Published: May 10, 2026 at 5:06 pm
The FIFA World Cup, in about a month’s time, will kick off with Mexico playing against South Africa in the opening match at the grand 87,000 capacity Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This time, the world’s most awaited football tournament will be hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada and for the first time 48 teams from across the world will participate in the football extravaganza.
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Among the new teams will be debutants Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan. The total number of matches will increase from 64 to 104 and the event will stretch across 39 days. But as usual, the favourites to win the coveted trophy remain the European powerhouses France, England, Germany and Spain along with the defending champions Argentina from South America. In all, 6 teams from South America, including Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay, will take part in the tournamen. But the teams under focus from that region are Brazil and Argentina.
Five-time champions Brazil in poor form now
Five-time champions Brazil (winners in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002) were always among the hot favorites in every tournament. But Brazil are not expected to have a big impact this time because of their poor performances in recent times. Brazil gave a lacklustre display in the qualifying rounds and barely managed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. They suffered six defeats in 18 qualifying matches. Despite having good individual players, as a team, Brazil are no longer the powerhouse that they once were.
Brazil finished 5th in the South American qualifiers, which is a significant drop from their usual dominating displays. Their most recent results have been below expectations. A surprise loss to Japan and a draw against lowly Tunisia indicates that Brazil’s creativity and striking power are at their lowest ebb. Brazil have suffered consecutive quarterfinal exits in the last two World Cups, showing a struggle to win high-stakes matches against top-tier opposition
Reasons for Brazil’s slide
For decades, Brazil’s “Jogo Bonito” (beautiful game) style of play relied on flair and individual brilliance. But recent managers have shifted toward a more pragmatic style that is similar to European methods. Managers like Carlos Alberto Parreira focused on defense, which critics argue has “coached the flair out of the players”.
Brazil have not found replacements for their mercurial legends like Roberto Carlos, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Kaka and others. Pic: MinneapoliMedia
Brazil have not found replacements for their mercurial legends like Roberto Carlos, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Kaka and others. Nowadays many of their talented young players leave the national championship called the Brasileirao Serie A, and head directly for the high paying European leagues. The legendary Romario has blamed this migration of talent for the steady decline in Brazil’s football.
Coach Ancelotti likely to strengthen defense
This time Italian Carlo Ancelotti is coaching the Brazil side. When he was a player himself, he was regarded as one of the best Italian midfielders of his generation. Although he lacked speed, he was hardworking, and tenacious. No doubt he will strive to bring the same qualities into the Brazil side which has traditionally been known to be careless in the defense.
Japan players celebrate after winning the friendly soccer match between Japan and Brazil in Tokyo on October 14, 2025. Pic: AP
Brazil are in Group C along with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland. The group is not as easy as it seems to be at first glance. Top tier African side Morocco is capable of pulling off upsets and Scotland too can be a tough customer. The group stage battle between Morocco and Brazil may be very crucial. In a friendly match in 2023, Morocco had shocked Brazil 2-1.
The current Brazil squad lacks world-class creative midfielders and the midfield players are often criticized for being “bystanders” during high-stakes matches. Brazil’s vice-captain, 34-year-old Casemiro with 84 caps, is the most experienced man in the midfield. But many others lack experience. Coach Ancelotti needs to cultivate a sense of greater commitment in his midfield line up marshalled by Andrey Santos, Danilo Santos, Fabinho and Gabriel Sara.
No top goalscorer to match legends of the past
The Brazil squad is led by 31-year-old defender Marquinhos, who has more than 100 caps for his national side and plays for Paris St Germain. Shockingly, the team is without any forward who can match the great goalscorers of the past. The highest goal scorer is Vinicius Junior, the Real Madrid star. But he has scored only eight goals for his national team Brazil.
In 2026, if Brazil can recapture the glory that they had earlier and play with the same flair that had rocked the football world, it would be a very pleasant surprise for all concerned. But as things stand, that seems unlikely to happen
The other forwards together have scored only 11 goals from a total of 83 appearances for the national side. This despite the fact that all the forwards are in their 20s and should be at their peak. For example, 26-year-old Matheus Cunha, who has been playing in Europe since he was 18 and now represents Manchester United, has appeared for the Brazil national team 21 times but scored only one solitary goal.
Exciting times ahead: Plenty of thrills, spills and drama in store for sports lovers in 2026
In 2026, if Brazil can recapture the glory that they had earlier and play with the same flair that had rocked the football world, it would be a very pleasant surprise for all concerned. But as things stand, that seems unlikely to happen.
Argentina’s chances look better at FIFA WC 2026
What are the chances of Argentina retaining the Cup that they had won in 2022? Although it is unclear how much maestro Lionel Messi will feature in their campaign, Argentina’s winning mentality and hunger to defend their crown make them a dangerous side. The squad’s elite attacking talent and resilience are their main strongpoints along with the confidence that they have won the prestigious Cup three times (1978, 1986 and 2022).
The present team, with Lionel Scaloni as the manager, has retained the core of its successful 2022 campaign. Players such as 33-year-old goalkeeper Emiliano Marttinez (59 caps for the national squad), defender Nico Tagliafico (75 caps), vice-captain Otamendi (130 caps), midfielder Rodrigo De Paul (who came to India with Messi and has been capped 85 times), Alexis Macallister (44 caps), Julian Alvarez, only 26 now but capped 51 times already, are the most experienced but yet young enough to play at their best.
Livewire winger Angel Di Maria will be missed
But one big name will be badly missed by Argentina’s fans all over the world. Angel Di Maria, the livewire forward whose electrifying runs along the flanks set up crucial goals for Argentina on many occasions, retired in 2024 and will not be seen in action. Di Maria was widely regarded as one of the greatest Argentine players of all time and one of the best wingers of his generation. He was known for his dribbling ability, playmaking and rapid pace which punched holes in rival defences on countless occasions.
Messi does not rate Argentina as favourite
However, the great Lionel Messi has not placed his nation as the topmost favourite. In a recent interview, Messi placed France and Spain as the absolute top teams which will be competing. He said: “Right now, France looks very good. They have many top-level players. Spain and Brazil are always top contenders along with Germany and England. Portugal has a very competitive and good team too.”
Messi also spoke about the unpredictability of sport. According to the Argentine captain, no team can feel safe, and surprises are part of football’s biggest tournament. Messi’s cautious approach reflects the pressure Argentina will face in 2026.
Lionel Messi also spoke about the unpredictability of sport. According to the Argentine captain, no team can feel safe, and surprises are part of football’s biggest tournament. Pic: PSG Talk
The Albiceleste as they are called, will no longer play as an underdog as they had done in the previous tournament. This time, they will be the defending champions and that will carry added pressure on all the team members. History has shown that the defending champion always made an early exit. The only exception was in 1962 when Brazil won their second successive title after the maiden victory of 1958.
Argentina have to avoid pitfalls
In the group stage, Argentina are placed comfortably in Group J where the other teams are Algeria, Austria and Jordan. None of these teams are expected to pose any problem for the powerful Argentinians. The South Americans will begin their campaign against Algeria at the Arrowhead stadium in Kansas City. All the Group J matches will be played at venues within the USA.
Argentina are among the top teams, but they have to carefully avoid the pitfalls. If Messi stays fit, the younger stars perform consistently, and coach Lionel Scaloni keeps the squad balanced, Argentina could very well reach another semifinal or even the final. That’s the best-case scenario for the record holding 16-time Copa America champions. If they can reach the last four, they may lift the cup again.
