Top News

Barito Putera legend and former captain of Indonesia’s Student National Team, Frans Sinatra Huwae, has shared his prediction for the 2026 FIFA World Cup champion.

Now an ardent Selecao supporter, Frans strongly believes that the Brazil National Team will be the one to lift the coveted trophy at the global four-yearly tournament.

“My pick is Brazil, and my idol is Neymar,” said the former midfielder, who currently serves as the technical director of Barito Putera in the Pegadaian Championship League 2025–2026, while raising his thumb in confidence.

Frans began his prediction by saying that when it comes to Brazil, it’s no surprise that they are always among the favourites to win the title.

However, for the 2026 World Cup, the former central midfielder seems more convinced than ever – not just because of Brazil’s big name, but also because of the genius of Carlo Ancelotti, a coach who understands how to manage a dressing room full of superstars.

“I think Neymar’s recall is not just a technical decision. It’s also psychological. In Brazil’s dressing room, Neymar remains a respected figure with a huge influence on younger players,” Frans explained confidently.

Frans believes that his confidence in Brazil stems from the presence of ‘Don Carlo’—as Ancelotti is affectionately known—who brings a winning mentality from club level that he expects will spread to the national team.

He added that Brazil’s squad depth remains among the best in the world. The team includes numerous star players—so many, in fact, that several other top talents have been left out of the final selection.

“Another reason is that their attacking generation is more mature compared to the 2022 World Cup. Just look at the players in those positions,” he said.

Beyond the stars, many of Brazil’s players currently play for elite European clubs. Compared to rivals such as France, England, or Spain—who are all in transitional phases—Brazil appears to have greater stability.

As for Neymar’s return, Frans explained that it serves as a spiritual and motivational boost, bringing added experience to major matches. Neymar can act as a mentor for young talents like Endrick and others.

“Opponents will also focus on Neymar, which will create space for Vinicius or Raphinha to move forward,” said the man affectionately nicknamed ‘grandpa’ among his peers.

According to Frans, Neymar’s presence—his idol—will significantly lift team morale, enhance commercial appeal, and boost overall confidence in the squad.

Although Neymar, now 34, has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, Frans believes that Ancelotti’s understanding of such situations is exceptional.

Brazil is still chasing its sixth World Cup title, having last lifted the trophy in 2002. A victory in 2026 would end a 24-year drought, one of the longest title waits in Brazil’s World Cup history.

Frans also emphasized that many Indonesian Selecao fans still feel a deep emotional connection with Brazil, dating back to the eras of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka, and Neymar.

“Many young players, even some Indonesian national team members, idolise Brazilian players. Some even name their children after their footballing heroes,” Frans added.

In conclusion, Frans believes Brazil deserves to be considered a title favourite. However, he stressed that success will not rest solely on Neymar’s shoulders. Instead, the key lies in how Ancelotti blends Neymar’s experience with the energy of the new generation—players like Vinicius and Endrick—to determine whether Brazil lifts the trophy or returns home with regret.

“Neymar may be the symbol, but the engine of Brazil 2026 now belongs to the new generation,” Frans concluded.

Endrick Secures Brazil’s Win Over Egypt

A goal from Endrick early in the second half gave Brazil a 2–1 victory over Egypt in their final World Cup warm-up match.

The teenage striker scored just seven minutes after coming on as a halftime substitute.

Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães opened the scoring for Brazil in the seventh minute in Cleveland, finding the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

The lead lasted only three minutes as Mostafa Ziko capitalised on a loose pass from Marquinhos and fired past Alisson Becker.

Brazil—once again without Neymar in the squad—had an injury scare when defender Wesley was forced off, while Brentford’s Igor Thiago missed a good chance before halftime.

Thiago was replaced at the break by Endrick as both teams made several substitutions, including the introduction of Mohamed Salah for Egypt.

Endrick made an instant impact, converting a cross from Raphinha into the net.

Salah fired one shot over the bar from the edge of the area as Egypt pressed hard but could not find an equaliser.

Brazil will open their World Cup campaign against Morocco in New Jersey on Saturday, in a group that also includes Scotland and Haiti. Egypt will begin their campaign against Belgium on 15 June.

Brazil’s 2026 World Cup Squad:

- Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Ederson, Weverton
- Defenders: Alex Sandro, Bremer, Danilo, Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhães, Roger Ibanez, Leo Pereira, Marquinhos, Wesley França
- Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Danilo Barbosa, Fabinho, Lucas Paquetá
- Forwards: Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Neymar, Raphinha, Rayan Vitor, Vinicius Junior.

Match Schedule:

- Sunday, 14 June (05:00 WIB / 06:00 WITA): Brazil vs Morocco
- Saturday, 20 June (07:30 WIB / 08:30 WITA): Brazil vs Haiti
- Thursday, 25 June (05:00 WIB / 06:00 WITA): Scotland vs Brazil.

(Banjarmasinpost.co.id)