Bhaichung Bhutia backs midfield heavy teams to shine at FIFA World Cup 2026

Asian teams shine at the FIFA World Cup 2026

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 continuing to grab attention across the world due to various reasons, Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia who is also part of ZEE 5’s FIFA World Cup 2026 expert panel shared his predictions about the ongoing tournament during an interaction with TOI.

From Cristiano Ronaldo’s chances of playing another FIFA World Cup and the teams in contention to lift the trophy this time, Bhutia spoke on a range of topics and even talked about the importance of having a good midfield in this tournament.

In this article we take a look at the former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia’s predictions for FIFA World Cup 2026.

On Ronaldo and Portugal’s World Cup chances

When Bhaichung Bhutia was asked about Cristiano Ronaldo’s chances of lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy, he drew parallels with Argentina’s triumph in Qatar 2022. Bhutia thinks that the Portugal team would be motivated to win it for Cristiano Ronaldo.

He also said that if Cristiano Ronaldo falls short this time, another FIFA World Cup appearance may not be fully out of the question for the Portugal legend.

“Portugal has a very strong side. They will create chances and Ronaldo will have opportunities to score. I think he will score a few goals. We are all expecting this to be the last World Cup for Ronaldo and Messi. But if Portugal don’t win, I won’t be surprised if Ronaldo, with his commitment and focus on fitness, plays the next one too.”

“I feel Portugal will play for Ronaldo, as Argentina did for Messi in Qatar. This is a great opportunity for Portugal to win because you’re playing in the US, where the weather conditions are warm, quite similar to Portugal. The players will want to win the World Cup for Ronaldo.”

Bhutia points out the problem with France

While many fans and experts are picking France as the favourites to lift the trophy. Bhaichung Bhutia believes France have one of the strongest squads on paper but feels the presence of too many big egos within the team could prove problematic and prevent them from going all the way.

“On paper, yes, but I don’t see France at the top because there are too many egos flying around. They don’t have a genuine centre forward. I am also not a big fan of (coach) Didier Deschamps, though he has won the World Cup. I feel he has a slightly defensive mindset.”

Bhutia picks his best youngster and golden boot favourite

Bhaichung Bhutia believes that Julian Alvarez will be in central attraction this year especially keeping in mind that Messi is not who he was four years ago.

Despite that he still believes that Harry Kane will snatch the golden boot award.

“Julian Alvarez is the one that can really dominate this year because Messi is not who he was four years ago. He has had a great season with Atletico Madrid.”

“For that (golden boot), my vote is for Harry Kane. He is one of the best strikers in the world right now. I would put him among the top five (of all time). He scored consistently with a team like Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, smashed records with Bayern Munich in Bundesliga. England has a great team. Even though the weather might prove to be a deterrent, they can go far.”

Difficulties for Norway

Bhutia believes that Norway who have been picked as the dark horses by many experts and fans will find it difficult in the FIFA World Cup 2026 despite their team featuring superstars like Haaland and Odegaard.

“Everyone says they are the dark horses. They have top players in Haaland and Odegaard, but the weather will hold them back. I know for sure that weather conditions play a major role, I have experienced myself. Norway will find it difficult. To play in hot and humid conditions is very challenging.”

Bhutia names his champions

Bhaichung Bhutia firmly believes that FIFA World Cup 2026 is very open and there are 6-8 teams that are genuine contenders this time.

However, he picks Argentina to retain the FIFA World Cup title, while also stressing that teams with strong, controlling midfields are likely to dominate the tournament.

“At this World Cup, there are six to eight teams who are genuine contenders. You make them play against each other and you won’t be able to guess the result. Given the weather conditions in the US, I think it suits Argentina and they can retain the World Cup they won four years ago.”

“This World Cup will be dominated by teams with a midfield that can control and dictate. You can’t be chasing and running around the ball because the weather is not going to help.”

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