Unfancied Brazil will stay sharp at the World Cup, Casemiro says

Key points

• Brazil are aiming for a record-extending sixth world title at the 2026 tournament in North America.
• Brazil midfielder Casemiro believes being a “step behind” other World Cup 2026 favourites ⁠⁠could work ⁠⁠in the team’s favour when the tournament kicks off in North America next week.
• Brazil are the only team to have played in every World Cup and are also the tournament’s most decorated side with five titles.
• Yet they have gone 24 years without lifting the trophy, and bookmakers have placed Brazil behind European champions Spain, 2018 World Cup winners France and England to win the June 11-July 19 tournament.
• “We aren’t the big favourites,” Casemiro told FIFA’s media channel after his team arrived in the United States on Tuesday.