The 2026 World Cup is already generating huge excitement, with the tournament set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
As anticipation continues to build around football’s biggest stage, Brazil legend Gilberto Silva shared his thoughts on the upcoming tournament, reflected on winning the World Cup in 2002, and discussed Brazil’s current squad in an exclusive interview.
Silva, who lifted the trophy with Brazil in 2002, spoke about the emotions of representing his country, the expectations surrounding Neymar and Vinicius Junior, and which nations he believes could challenge for the title in 2026.
Gilberto Silva on the Excitement Around the 2026 World Cup
It is no secret that the World Cup remains football’s biggest stage, and despite ongoing debates surrounding the expanded format and the logistics of hosting the tournament across North America, excitement is continuing to build ahead of 2026.
Speaking about the upcoming competition, Gilberto Silva admitted he is already looking forward to another edition of football’s greatest tournament.
“I'm preparing my instruments, you know, to play samba and support Brazil, of course. And a World Cup for me is a lovely event. It's a lovely event to be part of as a player and now as a fan, as a commentator, whichever position I'll be in, I'll enjoy it. Because football is my life and it's part of my life, you know, since when I was a very little kid.
“Obviously, it'll be a different format this time with more teams. More games, which means that I hope that we have more goals, more celebrations around the world. It would be great to see.”
The 2026 tournament will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, increasing both the number of matches and the overall scale of the competition.
Gilberto Silva Reflects on Brazil's 2002 World Cup Triumph
Silva was a crucial part of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning side alongside Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Cafu. Reflecting on lifting the trophy, the former Arsenal midfielder described the experience as something far greater than simply becoming a world champion.
“It's sometimes very hard for me to be honest, to describe it, because it's a mix of feeling, you know, thinking about it, because a lot of things come into my mind. I started from when I was a little boy, playing barefoot in the streets of my little village in Brazil, and in school with my colleagues, cousins, until I have my first amateur football academy and then have a proper opportunity to play in a professional club with a better infrastructure.
“And then also coming to my family, because lifting the trophy for Brazil is about who you represent. It's not only about winning the trophy and ‘I'm a champion’. It's not only about that. No, it's much more. Because if you just think about, oh, ‘now I'm a champion’, and reflect on it, for me, it's too small. Because it's more than that.”
Brazil defeated Germany 2-0 in the final in Yokohama, with Ronaldo scoring both goals to secure the country’s fifth World Cup triumph.
Neymar, Vinicius Jr and Brazil's Current Squad
Attention eventually turned towards Brazil’s current generation and which players Silva believes could play a major role at the 2026 World Cup.
“It doesn't matter who is going to be in the squad. The players, they've got experience playing the best clubs in Europe and playing the best competition in the world.
“There is a lot of expectation that Neymar is going to be in the squad, and I hope that he's going to be in a good condition to represent Brazil again. But obviously, there is Vini Junior, you know, there are a lot of expectations around him. I hope those guys take the responsibility and bring us to another possibility to win a title.”
With Neymar continuing to battle fitness concerns and Vinicius Junior now one of the biggest stars in world football, Brazil’s squad heading into 2026 is expected to combine experienced leaders with a younger generation already performing at the highest level in Europe.
Which Teams Does Gilberto Silva Think Can Win the 2026 World Cup?
Silva also highlighted several nations he believes will enter the tournament among the favourites to lift the trophy.
“France, for me, look very strong. We face them in the friendly game, they look very very strong, but they are not as strong right now. In the past years, you know, if you see they play two finals in a row and one in Russia. And you see that team, the quality players, young team, but very experienced at the same time. And I see also Argentina, because they are the last winner. They will defend the title.
“Spain looks good. England, they have done great in the past years, you know, reaching the final of the Euro, right? Yeah, and some other competition doing well. But you know, I think there's still some things to just to build and to fix. And I see also Portugal, with good players. Let's see how they are going to be for the tournament. I know their manager, he's a very good manager, Roberto Martinez, a good friend as well.
“And I hope that Brazil is going to be strong. So, I don't put Brazil at the top. Very similar to when we were in 2002, we were not favourites, we just keep quiet and finish in the first position. I hope that they do the same.”
Brazil have not won the World Cup since Silva’s triumph in 2002, but with another tournament approaching, belief is once again beginning to build around the Selecao.
Read more: Letter to my younger self: Gilberto Silva, age 15, Lagoa da Prata
