Cafu, the captain of the penta, said this Monday (20), during an interview in Madrid, that he is confident in Brazil’s good performance in the 2026 World Cup, in which he expects brilliant performances from Endrick and Vinícius Júnior so that Brazil can lift the cup again.
“Twenty-four years after winning our last title, I believe this is the exact moment for Brazil,” the former right-back told the press.
Cafu is in the Spanish capital acting as ambassador for the Laureus World Sports Award, which was awarded this Monday.
The former player acknowledged that winning a World Cup is always difficult, but stated that the national coach, Carlo Ancelotti, is doing a good job. “We also brought a multi-champion coach who will contribute to the greatness of the Brazilian team,” he stated.
The 1994 and 2002 World Cup champion explained that the team’s strength lies in its midfield and attack and, with that, Ancelotti is focused on making the defense impenetrable.
“Because, if Brazil doesn’t concede goals in a World Cup, they will certainly score at least one goal per match,” predicted Cafu, who also expressed his hope of seeing the best of Vinícius Júnior at the World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
A good time for Endrick
“The World Cup is the best way to reverse any type of controversy”, explained Cafu.
The former full-back noted that the journey in a World Cup is very short, comprising just a few matches that serve as a showcase for any player.
“In these eight matches (if he reaches the final), Vinícius Júnior has what it takes to show the whole world his value and what he is capable of on the field,” said Cafu.
Vinícius, who contributed an assist, was one of the highlights in the 3-1 victory over Croatia, in a friendly on April 1, in Orlando (USA).
In that match, which served to dispel doubts after the defeat to France in another friendly, Endrick also shone. “I think this is a good moment for him,” said Cafu, who considered the young Brazilian striker’s loan from Real Madrid to Lyon a positive.
“That did him a lot of good. It helped him grow, gain playing time, leave his mark and take on the leading role. It’s obvious that, at Real Madrid, with that constellation of stars, it’s unlikely that a young player will be the protagonist”, explained the former national team player.
“He is a young player who has a lot to offer Brazil, and I’m sure Ancelotti views him favorably,” Cafu added.
Rivals in the Cup
“I always see Brazil with good eyes on the eve of the World Cup, despite the difficulties that all the teams face. But I see Brazil today as more experienced, more aware of what it needs and with a squad very well led by Ancelotti”, he stated.
“Let’s hope that Brazil has a great World Cup,” said the former full-back who played in three consecutive World Cup finals (1994, 1998 and 2002).
As for who the toughest opponents could be, Cafu pointed to all the big teams. “We are talking about Spain, Portugal, England, Germany, Argentina, which is defending the title, and the Netherlands itself, which has a young but very good squad”, he listed.
“I believe that all these great teams are direct opponents of the Brazilian team”, he concluded.
