Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published Friday, November 14, 2025, 1:40 p.m. / Updated Friday, November 14, 2025 1:41 p.m.
With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, 29 teams have already secured their presence at the final tournament (in addition to the host countries), which for the first time will be played in three host countries – the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The World Championship will bring together 48 participants, and among the qualified ones are selected ones such as Brazil, Argentina and Japan. There will also be debutantes such as those from Cape Verde, Jordan and Uzbekistan.
Carlo Ancelotti, the coach of Brazil, did not hesitate to name the favorite teams to win the World Cup in 2026. He also did not list the national team he leads.
Carlo Ancelotti: “We have to be ready”
“Favorites? France, Spain, England, Germany, Argentina, Portugal. But be careful, with 48 teams there will definitely be surprises. We will play against Senegal, who beat England. So will Morocco, they are playing well. We have to be ready,” he said without mentioning Brazil when talking about the favourites.
“In Brazil, we have high-level experienced players and quality youngsters. And we are surrounded by incredible passion. We are asked to win the World Cup and that is what we will try. Brazil's 'drought' has lasted for a long time and they rightly want their sixth title,” the coach also said, according to abola.pt.
Ancelotti hopes that Italy, his country, will be able to qualify: “Italy will have to fight again. I hope they can qualify. They need to qualify. And honestly, I think they will. And then we will see each other in the final. We would all be happy, the Italians, the Brazilians and me especially. It would be great for me,” he concluded.
A 48-man World Cup gives more popularity and visibility as it increases the fan base and that's a positive. As for the competition, the calendar is well structured, the number of matches has not increased much. I hope for a good World Cup.
We will see what the draw has in store, especially in relation to geography, as it will be played in three countries and the locations of the matches may have an impact.
– Carlo Ancelotti
