"As early as 2022, I announced the next champion team. Portugal will be the 2026 World Cup champion," Bruno, a Brazilian fortune teller, stated on Globo Esporte.
Bruno previously predicted Spain's victory in the 2010 World Cup, Germany's in 2014, and France's in 2018. In 2022, he predicted France would successfully defend their title, only slightly off from the actual outcome, where France lost to Argentina 2-4 in a penalty shootout during the final match in Qatar.
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Coach Roberto Martinez announced the Portugal squad for the 2026 World Cup in Lisbon, Portugal on 19/5. Photo: AP |
According to European bookmakers, with odds of 4.5/1, Spain is the top candidate for the 2026 World Cup. The five subsequent positions include: France (5/1), England (6/1), Brazil, Argentina (8/1), and Portugal (10/1).
However, Bruno predicted Argentina would be eliminated in the quarterfinals, while his home country's team, Brazil, would not reach the semifinals if Neymar plays.
"Neymar is completely unfit to play in this World Cup. If he plays, the team will once again be eliminated before the semifinals. When the entire team revolves around him, the tactical error from 2022 will be repeated," Bruno stated.
With Neymar, Brazil was eliminated in the semifinals in 2014, and the quarterfinals in 2018 and 2022.
Portugal brings to this year's tournament most of the players who won the Nations League last year. Ronaldo, who holds the record for 973 goals, continues to be a key player. Two key players from PSG, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes; Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes; and Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva are also included.
Portugal will play pre-tournament friendlies against Chile (6/6) and Nigeria (10/6). Afterward, they will begin their World Cup campaign in Group L, facing DR Congo (17/6), Uzbekistan (23/6), and Colombia (27/6).
The 2026 World Cup will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from 11/6 to 19/7. The tournament features 48 teams divided into 12 groups. The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams will advance to the round of 16.
Thanh Quy (according to Globo Esporte)
