With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to begin, 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 that many teams are capable of winning football’s biggest prize, while also identifying some secret horses who could spring a surprise.

In an exclusive chat, the Indian football legend shares his views on the leading contenders, the players he is most excited to see, and whether Cristiano Ronaldo can finally complete his trophy cabinet with a World Cup win. He also reflects 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 reflected on the state of Indian football and the reasons why the country lags behind Asian powers like Japan and South Korea. From grassroots development and youth pathways to long-term planning and governance, he has outlined the changes he believes are necessary if India are to one day compete on football’s biggest stage.

Excerpts from the interview:

Question: Which team will you support in FIFA World Cup 2026?

Bhaichung Bhutia: It is very difficult to pick a team that can win the World Cup because it is one of the most open World Cups. You can name seven or eight teams that can actually win it.

But if I have to support a team coming from Asia, I would like to see Japan do well. They are a great team and a hidden horse in this tournament.

I would also like England to perform well. They have come very close over the years and expectations from the English players are always high. I want to see England winning the World Cup again after 1966.

Then you have Cristiano Ronaldo, who has not won a World Cup. If Messi has done it then why can’t Ronaldo do it? I wouldn’t mind if Portugal wins and Ronaldo retires after lifting the trophy.

In terms of favourites, there is Spain, France is as good as any team, Argentina is strong, and I still think Belgium and Brazil are the hidden horses. When you talk about the World Cup, Brazil is usually one of the favorites, but this time they might not even be in most people’s top eight. To me, this makes them dangerous.

Q: Which players are you most excited to see?

Bhaichung Bhutia: I am going to give you a mix of experience and youth.

Lamine Yamal is playing in his first World Cup. He has 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, they have the opportunity to establish themselves on the biggest stage.

Erling Haaland has had an amazing club career and is one of the best strikers in the world. But the World Cup is the biggest stage in football and he would like to prove himself there.

Julian Alvarez is another player who can make a big difference. He has had a very good season with Atletico Madrid and, along with Messi, he will be a key factor for Argentina.

For me, one of the best strikers I have ever seen is Harry Kane. I consider him one of the greatest strikers of all time. England has a strong team and a new coach. Kane’s experience and leadership can take him far.

And then there’s Cristiano Ronaldo. He is one of the greatest footballers we have ever seen. Messi fulfilled his dream in the last World Cup. It would be amazing to see Ronaldo do the same.

Question: Can Cristiano Ronaldo still make a difference in this World Cup?

Bhaichung Bhutia: I think Ronaldo is lucky to have one of the best midfields in world football behind him. This Portugal team will create chances and Ronaldo will remain a proven goalscorer.

He may not be as fast as he was five or ten years ago, but if you give him the opportunity, he can still score goals.

It is not going to be easy as age is not on their side, but Portugal have a team capable of going to every level. Ronaldo can still score important goals and maybe even help Portugal win the World Cup.

Question: Is Lamine Yamal Messi’s successor?

Baichung Bhutia: It can happen. Lamin Yamal has all the qualities to become the next Messi.

My only concern is that he is just 19 years old and there has already been some negative publicity surrounding his life away from football. He will need the right guidance and the right people around him.

We have seen many young footballers make great starts and then lose their way. If he stays focused on football, his future is bright as his talent is undeniable.

Q: Japan and South Korea have become World Cup regulars. Why was India left behind?

Bhaichung Bhutia: One of the biggest problems is that we need an honest long-term youth development programme.

Development is taking place in some places, but often it is happening only in name. We need a proper environment where children can train and compete 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 the district, state and federation level who really want to take Indian football forward.

Unless this happens, people with ideas and vision will not get the opportunity to bring about change.

Q: What would you say to a 14-year-old who asks why India is not playing in the World Cup?

Bhaichung Bhutia: We need to create the right culture and environment for children to play football.

Grassroots level development is extremely important. We have a Vision 2047 plan for Indian football, but the implementation at the ground level is almost non-existent.

Our first duty should be to introduce games to as many children as possible. We then 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 plan has not been implemented sincerely.

Q: If you could fix one thing about Indian football, what would it be?

Bhaichung Bhutia: I will create a team of enthusiasts at every level in the states and federations.

It should come from passion and love for the game.

Yes, there are challenges. You need base, infrastructure and money. But if you have passion, you will go out and ask for support from governments and corporates.

There is immense talent in India. The problem is not lack of talent. The problem is that we have not 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 is definitely one of my favourites. Argentina too.

I can see Portugal progressing in the tournament and England progressing a lot.

Brazil remains a mystery horse for me, and Japan may surprise a lot of people.

If I had to choose two finalists I would choose Spain and Argentina.

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