Ronaldo’s dream, Yamal’s moment and the World Cup wide open
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup underway, excitement is building around what promises to be one of the most open tournaments in recent memory. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who is part of ZEE5 India’s World Cup news panel, believes several teams are capable of lifting football’s biggest prize while identifying a few dark horses who could spring a surprise.
In an exclusive interview, the Indian football legend shares his thoughts on the top contenders, his favorite players to watch and whether Cristiano Ronaldo can finally add to his trophy cabinet with a World Cup triumph. He also considers the rise of Spanish teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and his potential to become the world’s next soccer superstar.
Apart from the FIFA 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 is to one day compete on football’s biggest stage.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q: Which team will you be rooting for at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Bhaichung Bhutia: It is 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 win.
But if I’m going to support a team from Asia, I’d like to see Japan do well. They are a great team and dark horses in this tournament.
I would also like England to do well. They have come so close over the years and expectations are always high for English players. I would like England to win the World Cup again after 1966.
Then you have Cristiano Ronaldo who hasn’t won a World Cup. Messi could do it, so why can’t Ronaldo? I wouldn’t mind Portugal winning it and Ronaldo stepping down after lifting the trophy.
As far as favourites, Spain is there, France is as good as any team, Argentina is strong and I still think Belgium and Brazil are the dark horses. When you talk about the World Cup, Brazil are usually among the favorites, but this time they might not even be in most people’s top eight. To me, that makes them dangerous.
Q: Which players do you follow the most?
Bhaichung Bhutia: I will give you a mixture of experience and youth.
Lamine Yamal is playing his first World Championship. He has already won the European Championship with Spain and is considered the next big thing in world football. With Messi and Ronaldo potentially playing in their last World Cups, he has the opportunity to make his mark on the biggest stage.
Erling Haaland has had a great club career and is one of the best strikers in the world. But the World Cup is football’s biggest stage and he will want to show himself there.
Julian Alvarez is another player who can make a big difference. He has had a great season with Atlético Madrid and with Messi around him he will be a key factor for Argentina.
For me, one of the best strikers I have ever seen is Harry Kane. I rate him among the best strikers of all time. England have a strong squad and a new coach. Kane’s experience and leadership skills were able to take them.
And then there’s Cristiano Ronaldo. He is one of the best footballers we have ever seen. Messi achieved his dream at the last World Cup. It would be amazing to see Ronaldo do the same.
Q: Can Cristiano Ronaldo still make a difference at this World Cup?
Bhaichung Bhutia: I think Ronaldo is lucky to have one of the best midfielders 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 won’t be easy because age is not on his side, but Portugal have a squad that is capable of going all the way. Ronaldo can still score important goals and maybe even help Portugal win the World Cup.
Question: Is Lamine Yamal the heir to Messi?
Bhaichung Bhutia: It can be. Lamine Yamal has all the qualities to become the next Messi.
The only thing that worries me is that he is only 19 and there has already been some negative publicity surrounding his life outside of football. He will need the right leadership and the right people around him.
We have seen many young footballers start off great and then lose their way. If he concentrates on football, he has a huge future as his talent is undeniable.
Q: Japan and South Korea have become regular participants in the World Cup. Why is India left behind?
Bhaichung Bhutia: One of the biggest issues is that we need a sincere long term youth development programme.
Development is taking place in some places, but it is often done for its own sake. We need a suitable environment where children train and compete all year round.
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 dedicated and passionate people at the district, state and federation levels who really want to take Indian football forward.
Until that happens, people with ideas and vision will not get the opportunity to make a difference.
Q: What would you say to a 14-year-old boy who asks why India is not playing in the World Cup?
Bhaichung Bhutia: We have to create the right culture and environment for kids to play football.
Grassroots development is absolutely essential. We have a Vision 2047 plan for Indian football but the implementation is almost non-existent on the ground.
Our first duty should be to get as many children as possible to play. We then identify talent, nurture it and create an environment where these players can train and compete regularly.
This structure is still missing and our long-term planning has not been honestly implemented.
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 – states and federation.
It must be based on passion and love for the sport.
Yes, there are challenges. You need land, infrastructure and finance. But if you are passionate, you will go and seek support from governments and companies.
India has immense talent. The problem is not a lack of talent. The problem is that we have not created the systems, opportunities and platforms to nurture this talent and develop players into top footballers.
Q: What are your predictions for the World Cup?
Bhaichung Bhutia: Spain is definitely one of my favorites. Argentina too.
I see Portugal going deep into the tournament and England going way ahead.
Brazil remains a dark horse for me and Japan could surprise a lot of people.
If I had to choose two finalists, I would go with Spain and Argentina.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
13 Jun 2026 02:25 IST