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Carles Puyol has named Portugal as his pick to win the 2026 World Cup, praising their squad depth and the enduring influence of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Carles Puyol, the legendary Barcelona and Spain defender, has revealed his surprising pick to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup—and it’s not his home nation.
The 47-year-old, who won the World Cup and Euros with Spain and lifted three Champions League titles during his glittering club career, believes Portugal are the team to beat in 2026.
“For me, the biggest favorites are the Portuguese,” Puyol said. “They have a high-quality team, full of players from the biggest clubs who know how to win. They are a very dangerous side.”
Puyol also singled out Cristiano Ronaldo for praise, despite the veteran now being in the twilight of his career. “Cristiano still lives for this sport and takes great care of his body. As a striker, he can still contribute a lot,” he added.
Portugal recently claimed the UEFA Nations League title, defeating Spain in the final—an achievement that seems to have left a strong impression on the former Barcelona captain.
Puyol, who made 593 appearances for Barcelona and nearly 100 caps for Spain, now works in player representation but continues to share his insights on the global game.