By Utkarsh Rathour
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 11 (ANI): Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has shared his views on the young talents expected to shine at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting them as potential defining players of the next decade.
Speaking to ANI, Bhutia noted the impressive track record of these emerging stars while reflecting on the tournament's opportunities for them to establish themselves on the global stage.
'I think for Lamine Yamal, it's his first World Cup, so I think it'll be very interesting to see, though there have been some injury issues with him, but he's coming back,' Bhutia said.
At just 18 years, Yamal's trophy cabinet boasts multiple La Liga titles (2), a UEFA Euro 2024 championship, and back-to-back Kopa Trophies as the world's best under-21 player.
The Indian football legend also praised Haaland's performances at the club level and expressed anticipation for his first World Cup showing.
The 25-year-old has already built an impressive trophy cabinet, claiming one European Golden Shoe, one UEFA Men's Player of the Year award for the 2022-23 season, and the Golden Boy award in 2020.
Haaland has also secured the Premier League Golden Boot twice (2022-23, 2023-24), the UEFA Champions League Golden Boot twice (2020-21, 2022-23), and was named Premier League Player of the Season in 2022-23.
'For Haaland, I think he's, you know, everybody knows about what he's done at the club level. So for him to come and play his first World Cup and show that on the world stage is something which I look forward to,' Bhutia added.
Turning to Mbappe, Bhutia said the French star has already proven himself as one of the greatest footballers of his generation, including winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup and reaching the finals of the last World Cup.
'Mbappe's already proven that he is the greatest and the best footballer, especially with the last World Cup, the way he really almost single-handedly won it for France,' he stated.
Bhutia also highlighted the ambitions of Yamal and Haaland, who will be eager to leave a mark in their debut World Cup.
'So yeah, I think for Lamine Yamal and Haaland, this is going to be a World Cup where they want to prove and show that even in the biggest stage, these guys can still deliver and still win it and can go on to become maybe the highest goal scorer in the World Cup, which is going to be tough. But yeah, I think this is something which both would want,' the 49-year-old added.
Bhutia identified potential underdog nations that could surprise fans at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting Brazil, Japan, and Ecuador as teams capable of making a deep run in the tournament.
Bhutia noted that while Brazil has historically been synonymous with World Cup success, the 2026 edition may see the five-time champions entering the competition as underdogs.
'Quite a few. For me, surprisingly, when you say World Cup football, Brazil used to be associated with the World Cup football. But now, when you're coming to this World Cup, if you look at the number of teams that are going to win in the top six or top eight, even Brazil does not come into it. I would go with Brazil being the underdog because, usually, I think Brazil is supposed to be the world champion,' Bhutia said.
The former Indian captain also praised Japan for their consistent performances in qualifiers and friendlies, including victories against top teams like England.
'But this time, one of them is Brazil because they're not the favourites if you look at the top six or top eight as well, they're not in that list. But they're going to be one underdog team that might go on to win. Another one is my favourite, which I would be supporting, Japan. I think they've been fantastic throughout the qualifiers and the friendlies. They've beaten teams like England in England and some of the big matches. And what a great team they have,' he added.
Bhutia expressed caution regarding Norway, citing the potential challenge of adapting to hot and humid conditions, despite having star striker Haaland in form.
'People are talking of Norway, but I feel Norway has qualified for the first time, playing in hot and humid conditions, where they come from is very different altogether when they play in humid and hot conditions. So they have great players, Erling Haaland is in great form, but I don't see them because of the weather conditions might struggle,' he said.
The 49-year-old also pointed to Ecuador as a possible dark horse, emphasising the importance of solid defensive play in knockout tournaments.
'Another country that could be a dark horse is Ecuador, because whenever you play a knockout tournament like the World Cup, I think defence is key for any team to go further. And especially in the knockout stages, because if you keep your defence compact, any team, the best in the world, we've seen going out with a team that has great defence. Ecuador can be another dark horse,' Bhutia added.
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