Cafu says 2026 World Cup is coming at the 'perfect moment' for Brazil

[p]Cafu was captain when [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/brazil/I9l9aqLq/"]Brazil[/a] won their fifth World Cup, beating [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/germany/ptQide1O/"]Germany[/a] 2-0 in the 2002 final in Yokohama.[/p][p]He was also part of the side that beat [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/italy/hlKvieGH/"]Italy[/a] on penalties to win in 1994 in Pasadena.[/p][p][b]"Twenty-four years after the last title win, I think it's the perfect moment for Brazil," [/b]Cafu told reporters in Madrid, where he is attending the Laureus Awards.[/p][p][b]"We've also brought in a serial winner of a coach, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/ancelotti-carlo/nZQG5IgJ/"]Carlo Ancelotti[/a], who will add to the greatness of the Brazilian national team."[/b][/p][embed guid="b6570645-eddf-4548-9a57-377a5d5243cd" url="https://x.com/LaureusSport/status/2046258572330217751" social-type="twitter" /][p]Cafu, who was a right-back, said Brazil already had strength in midfield and attack, so Ancelotti had focused on strengthening the defence for this year's tournament to be held in the US, Mexico and Canada.[/p][p][b]"Because if Brazil doesn't concede goals in a World Cup, they're sure to score a goal per game," [/b]Cafu said.[/p][p]He said he hoped Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, a player often embroiled in controversy, would have a strong tournament, saying: [b]"The World Cup is the best way to overcome any kind of controversy.[/b][/p][p][b]"In those eight matches (if they reach the final), Vinícius Junior has the potential to show the whole world his worth and what he can do in terms of football."[/b][/p][p]Vinícius produced an assist in the 3-1 victory over [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/croatia/K8aznggo/"]Croatia[/a] in Orlando on April 1st, which helped dispel doubts after the defeat against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/france/QkGeVG1n/"]France[/a] in another friendly.[/p][p]Endrick, 19, also shone in the the Croatia win.[/p][p][b]"I think it's a good time for him," [/b]said Cafu, who believes Real Madrid's decision to loan the forward to French club Lyon last year had been a positive move for the teenager.[/p][p][b]"It did him a lot of good. It helped him grow, play, make his mark, and become a key player. It's obvious that at Real Madrid, with so many stars, it's difficult for a young player to become a key player.[/b][/p][p][b]"He's a young player who can contribute a lot to Brazil, and I'm sure Ancelotti is looking at him favourably," [/b]added Cafu.[/p]