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“These are the two strongest teams and I’m waiting to see what Portugal will do.”
Former Brazil star Gilberto Silva made a loud surprise just a month before the start of the 2026 World Cup when he was asked about the contenders to win the title.
Regarding this, Silva, a member of FIFA’s technical studies committee, said in a virtual group interview today, Monday. “When we look at the last years, I see that France is very strong, and so is Spain.”
He continued. “As for Brazil, I’m not sure yet, to be honest, there’s a lot of talk around the squad, but I hope Carlo Ancelotti can put all the pieces together to put on a strong World Cup.”
The former Arsenal player, who won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil, added: “I don’t see Brazil as the most likely candidate, but at some point there can be harmony between the players and everything will change.”
He added: “I am interested in how the Portuguese will behave. They have players from the best clubs in Europe,” referring in particular to Vitinha and Joao Neves of Paris Saint-Germain.
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Gilberto Silva is participating as a member of FIFA’s 11-expert technical study group that will analyze all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup under legendary coach Arsene Wenger.
Silva expressed his regret that there are no Brazilian coaches among the coaches participating in the tournament and said: “I don’t think Brazil is having trouble getting new coaches, but there is a negative narrative about what they have done. There is a lot of pressure on them in the country when they lose a game. This challenge must be faced and positive ways of working must be found.”
However, Silva has confirmed his full confidence in Italian coach Ancelotti, saying: “Of course, it will be different.” With all my respect for Carlo and what he has achieved, I would like to see a Brazilian coach, but I fully support him as long as he is the coach of the national team. I don’t see Italy in the team, but Brazil. “It will give hope to the youth that Brazil can win the cup again.”
Silva also praised FIFA’s introduction of three-minute “water” breaks in each half, saying it would be a key tactical moment for coaches, as was the case at the 2025 Club World Cup.
