FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil’s Alisson sees no advantage for teams tipped as favourites

Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker said on Thursday that his country was not among the favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but added that there was no advantage in being tipped to lift the trophy and that he remained confident in his side’s chances.

Liverpool’s Alisson, who has recently had a series of recurring injuries, told a press conference at the Brazilian hotel in New Jersey that he was 100% fit to play in his third World Cup.

Responding to a question about Brazil’s status as other teams such as France and current champions Argentina are considered better prepared, the 33-year-old said being among the favorites «is not a guarantee for anyone» and increases pressure on the team.

«What really matters is the condition you are in in the first match. We are ready,» he said, adding that the environment was good after the problems Brazil faced in the South American qualifiers.

It qualified fifth, behind Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia and Uruguay, after appointing Italian Carlo Ancelotti as coach before the final two matches, when it won one and lost one.

«This last cycle was difficult, we felt it deeply. But everything started to get better when Ancelotti arrived. He is a very strong presence in the group and gives us peace to work,» said Alisson.

Ancelotti has been with five-time champions Brazil for almost a year. As the first foreign head coach in this position, his results have been mixed, but many trust his leadership is the key to bringing the World Cup back to the country after 24 years.

Brazil’s first match will be played against Morocco on Saturday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Alisson said the 67-year-old Ancelotti was keen to improve the team’s defence, which has often struggled.

«Some of those goals could have been avoided. We are working on it because the World Cup is a short tournament. We know we will always have chances to score because of the quality of the team,» he said.

When asked if he would like to join the four Brazilian goalkeepers who have attended three or more World Cup tournaments, he said he wanted to join another group, that of the champions.

Published on June 12, 2026