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Brazil enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the favourites, but can this new generation deliver the Seleção’s long-awaited sixth title? Football fever is in the air.
There are exactly 4 days left until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which officially kicks off on Thursday, June 11, 2026. For the first time, we’ll see the colours of 48 nations beautifying the shores of Canada, Mexico, and the USA as Argentina begins the defence of the Silvio Gazzaniga-designed masterpiece (the World Cup trophy).
Cristiano Ronaldo returns to the world stage at the age of 41, hoping to hoist the trophy in the air on the last day of the tournament like his ‘nemesis’, Lionel Messi, did in Qatar. The multiple Ballon d’Or winners redefined greatness by consistently shattering records that stood for decades in their prime, but can these two legends roll back the years in North America?
The reigning Ballon d’Or winner, Ousmane Dembele, is part of a talented French squad that features the likes of Kylian Mbappe as well as rising stars like Michael Olise and Desire Doue. Like Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi, it is highly likely that this could be the final chapter of French legend, N’Golo Kante’s storied international career. This tournament will also be the last one for head coach Didier Deschamps who confirmed earlier this year that he will step down after the World Cup; Will one of France’s most successful managers end his 14-year tenure with a third star? Les Bleus who are undoubtedly one of the favourites, reached back-to-back FIFA World Cup finals in 2018 and 2022, becoming the first nation to achieve this feat since Brazil in 2002.
The Selecao’s 2002 victory remains the last time a South American nation won the World Cup before Argentina’s 2022 triumph. Their 2002 World Cup campaign was a historic masterclass, as they became the first and only team to win all seven matches in a single tournament since the format expanded to seven games. Led by the formidable attacking trio of Rivaldo, Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho, the Selecao secured their record fifth title with a 2-0 victory over Germany in the final.
Under the leadership of legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazilians will draw inspiration from their 2002 and 1994 triumphs, which also took place on North American soil. The likes of Raphina, Cunha, Vinicius Junior and Neymar have big boots to fill as they continue the search for that elusive sixth crown.
