With the FIFA World Cup 2026 underway, excitement is flowing around what promises to be one of the most open tournaments in recent memory. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who is part of ZEE5’s World Cup coverage panel in India, believes several teams are capable of lifting football’s biggest prize while also identifying a few dark horses who could spring a surprise.
In an exclusive conversation, the Indian football legend shares his thoughts on the leading contenders, the players he is most excited to watch, and whether Cristiano Ronaldo can finally complete his trophy cabinet with a World Cup triumph. He also weighs in on the rise of Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and his potential to become football’s next global superstar.
Beyond the World Cup, Bhutia reflects on the state of Indian football and the reasons why the country continues to lag behind Asian powers such as Japan and South Korea. From grassroots development and youth pathways to long-term planning and governance, he outlines the changes he believes are necessary if India are to one day compete on football’s biggest stage.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q: Which team will you be supporting at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Bhaichung Bhutia: It’s very difficult to pick one team that can win the World Cup because this is one of the most open World Cups. You can name seven or eight teams that can actually go on to win it.
But if I have to support a team, coming from Asia, I would want to see Japan doing well. They’re a great team and dark horses in this tournament.
I would also want England to do well. They’ve gone so close over the years and the expectations on English players are always high. I would like to see England win the World Cup again after 1966.
Then you’ve got Cristiano Ronaldo, who hasn’t won the World Cup. Messi has done it, so why can’t Ronaldo? I wouldn’t mind Portugal winning it and Ronaldo retiring after lifting the trophy.
In terms of favourites, Spain are there, France are as good as any team, Argentina are strong, and I still think Belgium and Brazil are dark horses. When you talk about the World Cup, Brazil are usually among the favourites, but this time they may not even feature in most people’s top eight. For me, that makes them dangerous.
Q: Which players are you most excited to watch?
Bhaichung Bhutia: I’m going to give you a mix of experience and youth.
Lamine Yamal is playing his first World Cup. He’s already won the European Championship with Spain and is seen as the next big thing in world football. With Messi and Ronaldo potentially playing their last World Cup, he has the opportunity to establish himself on the biggest stage.
Erling Haaland has had a great club career and is among the best strikers in the world. But the World Cup is the biggest stage in football and he’ll want to prove himself there.
Julian Alvarez is another player who can make a big difference. He’s had a great season with Atletico Madrid and, with Messi around him, he will be a key factor for Argentina.
For me, one of the best strikers I’ve ever seen is Harry Kane. I rate him among the greatest strikers of all time. England have a strong squad and a new coach. Kane’s experience and leadership could take them all the way.
And then there’s Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s one of the greatest footballers we’ve ever watched. Messi achieved his dream in the last World Cup. It would be wonderful to see Ronaldo do the same.
Q: Can Cristiano Ronaldo still make a difference at this World Cup?
Bhaichung Bhutia: I think Ronaldo is fortunate to have one of the best midfields in world football behind him. This Portugal team will create chances and Ronaldo remains a proven goalscorer.
He may not be as quick as he was five or ten years ago, but if you give him opportunities, he can still score goals.
It’s not going to be easy because age is not on his side, but Portugal have a team capable of going all the way. Ronaldo can still score important goals and maybe even help Portugal win the World Cup.
Q: Is Lamine Yamal the heir to Messi?
Bhaichung Bhutia: It could be. Lamine Yamal has all the qualities to become the next Messi.
My only concern is that he’s just 19 years old and there has already been some negative publicity around his life away from football. He’ll need the right guidance and the right people around him.
We’ve seen many young footballers start brilliantly and then lose their way. If he stays focused on football, he has a tremendous future because his talent is undeniable.
Q: Japan and South Korea have become World Cup regulars. Why has India been left behind?
Bhaichung Bhutia: One of the biggest problems is that we need a sincere long-term youth development programme.
Development is happening in some places, but often it’s happening just for the sake of it. We need a proper environment where children are training and competing throughout the year.
We also need a strong structure and system. Even today, we don’t know what is happening with some of our competitions and leagues.
Most importantly, we need committed and passionate people at district, state and federation level who genuinely want to take Indian football forward.
Until that happens, the people with ideas and vision won’t get the opportunity to make a difference.
Q: What would you tell a 14-year-old who asks why India are not playing at the World Cup?
Bhaichung Bhutia: We need to create the right culture and environment for children to play football.
Grassroots development is absolutely vital. We have a Vision 2047 plan for Indian football, but implementation on the ground has been almost non-existent.
Our first duty should be to get as many children as possible playing the game. Then we identify talent, nurture it and create an environment where those players can train and compete regularly.
That structure is still missing and our long-term planning has not been implemented sincerely.
Q: If you could fix one thing in Indian football, what would it be?
Bhaichung Bhutia: I would build a team of passionate people at every level — in the states and at the federation.
It has to come from passion and love for the sport.
Yes, there are challenges. You need grounds, infrastructure and funding. But if you’re passionate, you’ll go out and seek support from governments and corporates.
India has enormous talent. The problem is not a lack of talent. The problem is that we haven’t created the systems, opportunities and platforms to nurture that talent and develop players into top-quality footballers.
Q: What are your World Cup predictions?
Bhaichung Bhutia: Spain are definitely among my favourites. Argentina as well.
I can see Portugal going deep into the tournament and England progressing a long way.
Brazil remain a dark horse for me, and Japan could surprise a lot of people.
If I had to pick two finalists, I would go with Spain and Argentina.
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