Italian Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Sunday that "no clear favourite has emerged yet" to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, on the eve of a last-32 clash against a Japanese side he described as "extremely tough and very well organised".
The only two sides to have recorded a perfect three wins from three in the group stage — and among the leading title contenders — are Argentina and France, the two finalists from the previous edition.
Ancelotti, who took charge of the Seleção in May 2025, said: "It's possible that some teams have performed better than others in this first phase, but I don't think a clear favourite has emerged yet. In my view, the tournament will be highly competitive and balanced."
The veteran coach described Japan as "very difficult, very organised and of high quality", calling them "one of the best teams in the world... We are preparing for this match as if it were a final, because it is a final."
The former Real Madrid coach added that Brazil would need "many things: mental toughness, a big heart, and a clear mind. I think the team is ready, motivated and confident."
Captain Marquinhos noted that "football has seen a great levelling of standards" in recent years, adding: "In recent editions of the World Cup, we saw many of the big teams fall against sides that were not considered first-tier."
The Paris Saint-Germain defender said Japan, for instance, "have proven they are genuinely capable of playing in the top tier, so to speak."
Marquinhos acknowledged that Brazil "went through a somewhat turbulent period in recent years, both on and off the pitch", but expressed confidence that the team "has managed to regain its self-belief as players, and the trust of its supporters as well."
The 32-year-old defender concluded: "We have made many adjustments, and I think we have also grown as a team over these last matches."