Vinícius Júnior: Brazil has not secured the favorites label for the 2026 World Cup.
Vinícius Júnior states that Brazil neither merits nor desires to be labeled as favorites as they approach the World Cup this summer.
“I think that [the national team] isn’t the favorite based on our recent results,” the Real Madrid forward remarked.
“However, the significance of the jersey and the caliber of the players we possess … We will strive to elevate Brazil once more. We do not seek to be favorites; we aim to elevate Brazil.”
Brazil holds the record for five World Cup victories, but their most recent win was in 2002. Their highest finish since then was fourth place in 2014, when they hosted the tournament.
Since Carlo Ancelotti took charge in May of last year after departing from Real Madrid, Brazil has experienced inconsistent outcomes. The Italian led the team to two victories, one draw, and one defeat, resulting in a fifth-place finish in World Cup qualifying.
During the international break in October, Brazil triumphed over South Korea but faced an unexpected loss to Japan, followed by a win against Senegal and a draw with Tunisia in November.
Vinícius believes that Ancelotti, for whom he played at Madrid, has provided the team with an advantage.
“We just needed to find our rhythm,” he stated. “Since Ancelotti’s arrival, we have a clearer understanding of our playing style. He alleviates a lot of pressure from us.”
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Brazil’s World Cup aspirations may hinge significantly on Vinícius, despite him having netted only eight goals in 45 matches for the national team. The 25-year-old has recorded 17 goals and eight assists in 43 appearances for Madrid this season.
“I’m in the happiest phase of my life,” Vinícius expressed. “Everything I achieve at Real Madrid, I aspire to replicate here with the national team. I do not focus much on public opinion. I understand my responsibilities and my commitment to the World Cup.
“It’s the event every player dreams of participating in. Concerning my performance, I always strive to be at my peak, scoring goals and assisting. I believe everyone expects me to be one of the key players. I am ready for all the challenges in my career. Having already participated in a World Cup, I do not wish to experience that loss again.”
Brazil will kick off their World Cup journey against Morocco on June 13. They will also compete against Scotland and Haiti in Group C.
