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MALANG - The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner. As the world’s biggest football tournament approaches its kickoff, predictions about the potential champions have started to surface — including one from Arema FC head coach Marcos Santos.

The Brazilian coach did not hesitate to back his home country to lift the trophy in the tournament set to begin on June 9, 2026.

“Of course, I will support Brazil. Brazil will win,” said Marcos after leading Arema FC to a 3-1 victory over PSIM Yogyakarta in their final Super League 2025-2026 match on Friday (May 22, 2026).

With a bright smile, the 46-year-old tactician expressed his deep confidence in the Samba Team’s prospects on the world stage. As a native Brazilian, he remains optimistic that his nation can finally end its long wait to reclaim the World Cup title.

However, behind his strong support for Brazil, Marcos also shared a light-hearted comment about the Indonesian national team.

“If Indonesia had qualified for the World Cup, of course, I would support Indonesia. But since Indonesia isn’t there, I’ll support Brazil,” he joked during the post-match press conference, drawing laughter from the media.

The Indonesian national team itself failed to reach the final stage after being eliminated in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Neymar Returns, Brazil’s Star-Studded Squad

Brazil heads into the 2026 World Cup with strong optimism under head coach Carlo Ancelotti. The former AC Milan and Real Madrid manager has called up 26 players for the tournament, which will be hosted across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Among the most talked-about names is Neymar. The veteran forward returns to represent Brazil and will once again wear the iconic number 10 jersey — a number that has long been associated with him in the Selecao.

In addition to Neymar, Brazil’s squad is filled with elite talents who play in Europe’s top leagues. Stars like Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, and Marquinhos are expected to be the driving force leading the Samba Team deep into the competition.

Marquinhos arrives in excellent form, having recently helped Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secure the UEFA Champions League title.

Chasing the End of a 24-Year Wait

In the 2026 World Cup, Brazil is placed in Group C alongside Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti. The Samba Team will kick off their campaign against Morocco on June 14, 2026, followed by a clash with Haiti on June 20, and conclude the group stage against Scotland on June 25, 2026.

Given their squad depth and star power, Brazil is widely regarded as one of the favourites to advance comfortably from the group stage and challenge for the championship.

Carlo Ancelotti carries the ambition of restoring Brazil’s World Cup glory. The last time the Selecao lifted the trophy was during the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

Back then, Brazil defeated Germany 2-0 in the final, with a team featuring legends such as Ronaldo and Rivaldo, securing their fifth world title for the football-mad nation.

Now, after 24 years of waiting, Brazil once again sets its sights on football’s ultimate prize. That same optimism is echoed by Marcos Santos, who firmly believes his homeland can rise to the top of the football world at the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup:

1. Alisson Becker

2. Wesley

3. Gabriel Magalhaes

4. Marquinhos

5. Casemiro

6. Alex Sandro

7. Vinicius Jr

8. Bruno Guimaraes

9. Matheus Cunha

10. Neymar Jr

11. Raphinha

12. Weverton

13. Danilo Luiz

14. Gleison Bremer

15. Leo Pereira

16. Douglas Santos

17. Fabinho

18. Danilo Santos

19. Endrick

20. Lucas Paqueta

21. Luis Henrique

22. Gabriel Martinelli

23. Ederson

24. Roger Ibanez

25. Igor Thiago

26. Rayan