The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday, and the excitement has crossed over well beyond the soccer world. Many notable NFL players and analysts have spent the past week making their picks and sharing their takes on the tournament.
Four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski is the latest to weigh in, and he made his case for Brazil as a serious contender to dominate in the World Cup. Appearing on the “Up and Adams Show” alongside host Kay Adams, former Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Taylor Lewan, and former NFL linebacker Will Compton, Gronkowski made his pick with conviction.
Rob Gronkowski Breaks Down Brazil’s World Cup Case
The segment on the show saw the group selecting their favorite teams ahead of the tournament, and Gronkowski wasted no time locking in Brazil as his first pick. His reasoning went beyond typical name recognition, as he pointed to the built-in geographic edge Brazil has over the other European contenders.
“They [Brazil] got an explosive attacking talent all across the board, and they got a favorable environment as well,” Gronkowski said. “When they’re playing games in Miami, it’s basically going to be a home game for them because they got fans all over the place in Miami.”
Brazil’s Group C finale against Scotland is scheduled for June 24 at Hard Rock Stadium, and a potential quarterfinal matchup at the same venue looms if the five-time champions advance as expected.
Moreover, South Florida’s massive Brazilian and Latin American population virtually guarantees a lopsided crowd in those matches, turning a neutral-site game into something resembling a home fixture.
The climate factor Gronkowski alluded to shouldn’t be overlooked either. Brazil’s players are accustomed to performing in heat and humidity, conditions that can drain European squads unfamiliar with summer temperatures in America.
Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is loaded across every position. Vinicius Junior headlines the attack alongside Barcelona’s Raphinha, who was Brazil’s top scorer in World Cup qualifying with five goals. Real Madrid’s 19-year-old Endrick and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli are other dynamic options in attack.
Also Check Out: FIFA World Cup 2026 Simulator
The defense led by PSG’s Marquinhos and Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes gives Brazil the kind of solidity at the back that complements their attacking firepower. Alisson will also provide stability at the goalkeeper position, as he has been considered one of the best in the world for nearly a decade.
The one lingering question mark is Neymar. Brazil’s all-time leading scorer was included in the 26-man squad despite a grade II calf muscle tear that has kept him out of team training since arriving at camp.
Ancelotti has been adamant that the Santos superstar won’t be replaced, and is targeting either the June 13 opener against Morocco or the June 19 match against Haiti for his return. Even at less than full fitness, Neymar’s ability to unlock defenses off the bench could prove decisive in knockout rounds.
Having Ancelotti on the touchline is arguably Brazil’s biggest advantage. The Italian is the most decorated manager in Champions League history, and his track record of delivering in high-pressure tournaments translates directly to this stage. It will be interesting to see whether Gronkowski’s pick, Brazil, goes on to win their sixth World Cup this year.
