Vinicius Junior stated that Brazil hasn’t earned the title of favorites for the 2026 World Cup and that the team is not looking for that label.
Despite winning a record five World Cups, Brazil has not triumphed since 2002. The team’s best finish since then was fourth in 2014, and it had a disappointing fifth place during the 2026 qualifiers.
“Based on our results, we’re not the favorites,” said the Real Madrid forward ahead of Brazil’s friendly against France on Thursday. “We want to approach the World Cup with the same mindset we have for the friendlies—calm, patient, and focused on our preparations.”
Carlo Ancelotti, an Italian coach, took over as Brazil’s manager in May 2025. Under his guidance, the team won two qualifying matches but lost to Japan and drew with Tunisia.
Vinicius, with eight goals in 45 games for Brazil, has played under Ancelotti at Madrid. The 25-year-old believes the manager can help ease the pressure on the team.
“The responsibility of representing Brazil and the talent in this squad… we will do everything to bring Brazil back to the top,” Vinicius added. “We don’t seek to be favorites; we just want to see Brazil succeed.”
Brazil’s first match in the 2026 World Cup is against Morocco on June 13, followed by games against Scotland and Haiti in Group C.
BetMGM places Brazil’s odds of winning the World Cup at +800, making them the fourth favorite, tied with defending champions Argentina, and behind Spain (+400), England (+550), and France (+700).
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