“We will be in the 2026 World Cup final. You can film me saying this” - Brazil coach Dorival Junior makes bullish claim

Brazil coach Dorival Junior has made a bullish statement that his team will qualify for the FIFA World Cup final in 2026. The manager made the tall claim in a press conference during the side's qualifying matches.

Ahead of the match against Paraguay, the Brazil coach spoke to the press and made the prediction about the team reaching the final of the tournament in two years' time.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported Dorival Junior as saying:

"We will be in the 2026 World Cup final. We will be finalists. You can film me while I’m saying this. I have no doubts. We will be there."

Dorival Junior took over the national team coaching duties in January 2024. After the 2022 World Cup debacle in Qatar under Tite, Ramon Menezes took over as caretaker manager before handing over the responsibility to Fernando Diniz in July 2023.

The 62-year-old former Palmeiras player and coach took over the job earlier this year. His first task was to navigate the 2024 Copa America without their star player, Neymar Jr. The Selecao started impressively but crashed out of the tournament after losing to Uruguay in the quarter-final on penalties.

Brazil, who have won the World Cup five times, resumed their qualifying campaign under coach Dorival Junior with a 1-0 win over Ecuador on Saturday, September 7. Real Madrid forward Rodrygo scored the only goal of the match to keep their qualification hopes alive.

The coach's immediate assignment, however, is away to Paraguay tonight, September 10.

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"Brazil need Neymar to win the World Cup" - Rodrygo

Brazil's goalscorer against Ecuador, Rodrygo, believes that his idol Neymar Jr. holds the key to the team's success at the 2026 edition. Neymar is currently out injured and missed the team's 2024 Copa America campaign as well.

Talking about missing the 32-year-old Al-Hilal forward with the Selecao, Rodrygo admitted that Neymar is the team's best player. He told ESPN:

"I have no words. Everyone can see it, it's clear how much he's missed. He's our star, our best player. To win a World Cup, everyone has to be well to help him. If he's well, which is what we're hoping for, he's in the final stages of his recovery. We want him back as soon as possible."

Brazil are currently fourth in the qualifying table after seven matches with three wins and a draw. They find themselves eight points behind the defending champions and rivals Argentina.