Expectations for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Mexico, Canada and the United States, are already beginning to take shape among Brazilian players and fans.
During CNN Brasil’s special program “Perspectives 2026”, former player Michel Bastos shared his experiences as an athlete who has already played in a World Cup for the Brazilian team, describing the feeling as “something surreal”.
Michel Bastos, who defended hopscotch in the 2010 World Cup, highlighted that wearing the Brazilian team’s shirt was the greatest achievement of his career.
“It’s a surreal pressure. I imagine that now this moment, the season is over at least here in Brazil, and we are there for a few months, six, seven months of the World Cup. I think that all the players who have the possibility of playing in this World Cup, they only think about it at this moment”, said the former player.
A new era with Carlo Ancelotti
Commentators highlighted the positive changes that the Brazilian team has experienced since the arrival of the Italian coach.
According to Ludmila Candal, there has been “a change in level, in energy, in preparation for the World Cup since the Italian took over the Brazilian team”.
The journalist highlighted that expectations for the World Cup are high.
Jairo Nascimento analyzed the Italian coach’s work: “We are seeing a coach understanding what the role is. And it is very interesting that someone who has won practically everything in life, in club football, is learning what it is to coach a national team.”
The commentator also highlighted that he has been organizing the cast and testing possibilities, applying all the knowledge acquired throughout his career.
List closed?
As for the names that should make up the Brazilian team in 2026, the Italian coach has already confirmed the presence of Vini Júnior and Estevão.
Regarding young Estevão, Michel Bastos was full of praise: “At 18 years old, he is responsible. Post-Neymar, I think, technically speaking, he is the player who impressed me the most.”
However, the former player considered that it would be a very heavy burden for the young man to take on all the responsibility of the national team in one.
Regarding Neymar, Michel Bastos believes that technically he is still capable of serving and helping the Brazilian team, but highlighted that everything will depend on his physical recovery.
“If he is not physically prepared, it will be difficult for him to be in the World Cup, but from his words, from what he has been saying, he has this desire and will prepare for it”, concluded the former player.
