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Arema FC head coach Marcos Santos has named Brazil as his top pick to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while joking that he would back Indonesia if the Garuda squad managed to qualify.

For reference, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off on June 9, 2026.

As the world eagerly awaits the start of this prestigious four-year event, many football figures have already begun revealing their favourites — including Arema FC’s Marcos Santos.

The coach, whose full name is Marcos Vinícius dos Santos Gonçalves, confidently tipped Brazil as his favourite to lift the trophy.

“Of course, I will support Brazil. Brazil will be the winner,” said Marcos after leading Arema FC to a 3-1 victory over PSIM Yogyakarta in their final Super League 2025–2026 match on Friday, May 22, 2026.

With a bright smile on his face, the 46-year-old coach spoke confidently about his prediction for Brazil’s success.

Being a native Brazilian himself, Marcos admitted it was only natural for him to back his home nation and predicted that Brazil would reclaim the World Cup title this year.

In a light-hearted moment with reporters, Marcos Santos also mentioned that he would wholeheartedly support Indonesia if they ever make it to the World Cup.

Unfortunately, the Garuda national team failed to secure a spot after being eliminated in the fourth round of the Asian Zone qualifiers.

“If Indonesia qualified for the World Cup, of course I would support Indonesia. But since they’re not there, I’ll be cheering for Brazil,” he said jokingly to the media during the post-match press conference.

Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil appear confident as they head into the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Former AC Milan and Real Madrid manager Ancelotti has selected 26 players for the tournament.

One of the biggest stories from the squad announcement is the return of Neymar, the Brazilian star once again called up to strengthen the Selecao.

Recent reports confirm that Neymar will wear the iconic number 10 shirt, a number long associated with his legacy in the national team.

In the 2026 World Cup, Brazil have been drawn into Group C alongside Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti.

The Selecao will open their campaign on June 14, 2026, against Morocco, followed by matches against Haiti on June 20 and Scotland on June 25.

With the depth of their squad, Brazil are widely seen as the favourites to top the group.

The team boasts a host of European stars including Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, and Marquinhos — who recently lifted the Champions League trophy with Paris Saint-Germain.

Ancelotti has expressed his ambition to bring the World Cup trophy back to Brazil, a feat last accomplished 24 years ago.

Back in 2002, Brazil triumphed over Germany with a 2-0 victory in the World Cup held in Japan and South Korea.

That 2002 squad was filled with football legends such as Ronaldo and Rivaldo, who both shone on the international stage.

Below is the full list of Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad along with their shirt numbers.

Brazil Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

1. Alisson Becker
2. Wesley
3. Gabriel Magalhaes
4. Marquinhos
5. Casemiro
6. Alex Sandro
7. Vinicius Jr
8. Bruno Guimaraes
9. Matheus Cunha
10. Neymar Jr
11. Raphinha
12. Weverton
13. Danilo Luiz
14. Gleison Bremer
15. Leo Pereira
16. Douglas Santos
17. Fabinho
18. Danilo Santos
19. Endrick
20. Lucas Paqueta
21. Luis Henrique
22. Gabriel Martinelli
23. Ederson
24. Roger Ibanez
25. Igor Thiago
26. Rayan

(Rifky Edgar/TribunJatimTimur.com)