Brazil midfielder Casemiro believes being considered 'a step behind' other World Cup 2026 favorites could work in the team's favor when the tournament kicks off in North America next week.

Brazil are the only team to have played in every World Cup and are the tournament's most decorated side with five titles. Yet they have gone 24 years without lifting the trophy, and bookmakers have placed them behind Spain, France, and England.

'We aren't the big favorites,' Casemiro told FIFA's media channel. 'Of course, we're in good shape. We've got a strong squad with a mix of experience and young talent. Perhaps this time we're a step behind, but we're on our toes, and that's always a good thing.'

The 34-year-old said the South American giants had a 'difficult cycle' in the build-up, with the Brazilian Football Confederation appointing Italian Carlo Ancelotti as coach and naming a new president last year. 'It has been a difficult cycle with a change of manager, a change of president and a lot of turmoil,' he added.

'We have only had one year working with the manager, who has excellent experience in football, but in reality, we have only worked together for 40 days. I think we will go into the tournament in strong form. We have quality players, experienced players, energetic players and young players. I think we have a good mix for this competition.'

Brazil open their Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, before facing Haiti on June 19 in Philadelphia, and Scotland on June 24 in Miami. The FIFA World Cup begins on June 11.

Source: www.aljazeera.com