Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Júnior has delivered a blunt assessment of Brazil’s standing on the global stage, asserting that the five-time champions cannot be considered favourites for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday ahead of a high-profile friendly against France, the winger pointed to the team’s inconsistent form as the primary reason for his caution.
The Seleção enter the final stretch of World Cup preparations following a historically difficult qualifying campaign in which they finished fifth in the CONMEBOL standings. Brazil suffered six defeats in 18 matches during the cycle, a statistic Vinícius believes disqualifies them from being the frontrunners in North America this summer.
"We are not the favourites based on the results we've had," Vinícius acknowledged to reporters at Gillette Stadium. Despite the sobering admission, he maintained that the prestige of the Brazilian jersey remains a powerful asset. He emphasised that while the team possesses high individual quality, they have struggled to find the necessary cohesion on the pitch until recently.
The 25-year-old expressed significant confidence in the tactical shift under head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who took the reins in 2025. Vinícius noted that Ancelotti’s collaborative approach and experience have helped the squad absorb new ideas and relieved the immense pressure traditionally placed on the players.
"Since Ancelotti arrived, we have a better idea of how to play," Vinícius said. He added that the team’s goal is not to carry an external label of favouritism but to earn their way back to the top through performance. The winger also highlighted the emergence of young talents like Endrick and Estêvão as vital components of a squad that is "ready for all challenges."
Brazil’s path to a sixth World Cup Trophy remains complicated by the absence of veteran Neymar Jr., who was left out of the current squad due to fitness concerns. With the World Cup set to kick off in June, Vinícius is prepared to embrace a leadership role, stating he is determined to avoid the "disappointment of past failures" and is working to ensure he reaches the tournament in peak physical condition.