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Michael Bruno, a Brazilian fortune teller known for accurately predicting three consecutive World Cup winners, believes Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal will be crowned champions this year.
"Portugal will be the 2026 World Cup champion," Bruno told Globo Esporte.
Bruno has built a reputation by correctly predicting Spain's victory in 2010, Germany's triumph in 2014 and France's win in 2018.
His 2022 prediction that France would successfully defend their title was only slightly off the mark, as France ultimately fell to Argentina in a dramatic penalty shootout after drawing 3-3 in the final in Qatar.
According to European bookmakers, Spain currently stand as the tournament favorite with the highest odds. They are followed closely by France and England. South American powerhouses Brazil and Argentina are tied, but have higher odds than Bruno's pick, Portugal.
Bruno's visions paint a different picture for the South American giants. He predicts that defending champions Argentina will be eliminated in the quarterfinals.
He said that his home country, Brazil, will fail to reach the semifinals if they continue to count on star forward Neymar.
"Neymar is completely unfit to play in this World Cup. If he plays, the team will once again be eliminated before the semifinals," Bruno added. "When the team revolve around him, the tactical mistakes of 2022 will be repeated."
Brazil's recent World Cup history with Neymar aligns with Bruno's concerns. The team suffered a semifinal exit in 2014, followed by quarterfinal knockouts in both 2018 and 2022.
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Head coach Roberto Martinez announces the Portugal national team squad for the World Cup in Lisbon, Portugal on May 19, 2026. Photo by AP |
Portugal enter this year's tournament boasting a formidable squad, featuring the core group of players who secured last year's UEFA Nations League title.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the all-time goalscorer with 973 goals, will continue to lead the attack. The best players of European champions PSG, Vitinha, Joao Neves and Nuno Mendes, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, and Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva are also featured in this star-studded squad.
Portugal will begin their World Cup campaign in Group L, facing Congo on June 17, Uzbekistan on June 23 and Colombia on the 27th.
The 2026 World Cup will take place in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. 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.
