Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Jr has named Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal among the leading contenders to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while also praising several Portuguese players as some of the best talents in world football.Speaking during an appearance on CazeTV ahead of next month’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Vinicius listed Brazil, Spain, Portugal, France and Argentina as the five nations he believes are best positioned to lift the trophy.The Brazilian placed particular emphasis on Portugal’s chances, largely because of Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence and the quality of the current Portuguese generation surrounding the veteran captain.
Vinicius says Cristiano Ronaldo still makes Portugal dangerous
When discussing Portugal’s World Cup prospects, Vinicius made it clear that Ronaldo remains central to the team’s hopes despite preparing for what could become his sixth and final World Cup appearance.“Portugal one of the favorites? Yes, because Cristiano is there and that matters,” Vinicius said on CazeTV, via MadridXtra.The Brazilian forward also praised Portugal’s midfield and attacking depth, singling out several players individually.“There’s Vitinha and Joao Neves, who are among the best of the current generation. There’s Nuno. Leao and Felix too, players I have a very good relationship with,” Vinicius added.Later in the interview, Vinicius again spoke about the possibility of facing Ronaldo during the knockout rounds of the tournament.“Our father (idol) Cristiano Ronaldo is there, right? Always important,” he said.“I’d love… Nuno Mendes, Rafael Leao who is my partner, Joao Félix too… Facing Cristiano Ronaldo in a knockout match could happen, but then he’s going to have to lose, right? He’s our idol, but he’ll understand.”
Ronaldo chasing historic sixth World Cup appearance
Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for what would become a record-matching sixth FIFA World Cup appearance this summer.The Portugal captain is already one of only six players in football history to have featured at five separate World Cups, alongside longtime rival Lionel Messi.The 41-year-old also continues holding the all-time men’s international records for both appearances and goals, having scored 143 goals across 226 matches for Portugal.Portugal have never won the FIFA World Cup despite several deep tournament runs, including a quarter-final appearance during the 2022 edition before being eliminated by Morocco.
FILE – Portugal players pose for a team photo before a World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Portugal and Hungary in Lisbon, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca, File)
This year’s tournament may realistically represent Ronaldo’s final opportunity to win the one major trophy missing from his international career.Portugal have been drawn into Group K alongside DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.Ronaldo also enters the tournament after recently winning his first major trophy with Al-Nassr following the Saudi Pro League title triumph over rivals Al-Hilal.
Vinicius also names Brazil, Spain, France and Argentina
Beyond Portugal, Vinicius selected his own Brazil side among the strongest favourites despite uncertainty surrounding Neymar’s fitness entering the competition.The Real Madrid winger is expected to carry major attacking responsibility for Brazil during the tournament, especially if Neymar remains limited because of his recent calf injury issues.Vinicius additionally praised Spain and highlighted teenage sensation Lamine Yamal as a player capable of deciding major tournaments individually.According to reports, Vinicius suggested Yamal is already the kind of footballer supporters specifically buy tickets to watch.France also featured prominently in his list because of their recent World Cup consistency.Vinicius pointed to France reaching back-to-back World Cup finals and praised both Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele while discussing Didier Deschamps’ squad.Speaking about Dembele, Vinicius described the French winger as “a monster over the last two seasons.”Although Jude Bellingham’s England were mentioned during the discussion, Vinicius instead completed his top five by selecting Lionel Messi’s Argentina.“There’s England with Bellingham, but I’m going to put Argentina because they were the last champions, they have confidence, and they have Messi, who is always something different,” Vinicius said.
FIFA rankings broadly mirror Vinicius’ selections
Vinicius’ selections largely align with the current FIFA world rankings ahead of the tournament.According to the latest rankings before the upcoming update expected between May 31 and June 11, France currently sit first in the world, followed by Spain, Argentina, England and Portugal completing the top five.Brazil presently sit sixth in the rankings despite being included in Vinicius’ own list of favourites.However, recent World Cup history has repeatedly shown that rankings do not necessarily guarantee deep tournament runs.Before the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Brazil entered the tournament ranked first in the world ahead of Belgium, Argentina, France and England.Ultimately, only Argentina and France reached the final, while Brazil and England were both eliminated in the quarter-finals and Belgium suffered a disappointing group-stage exit.Croatia, ranked 12th entering the tournament, and Morocco, ranked 22nd, both reached the semi-finals in Qatar, underlining the unpredictability that often defines World Cup football.For Portugal, though, much of the attention remains fixed on Ronaldo as the veteran forward attempts to guide his country toward the biggest prize in international football before the curtain closes on his historic career.