The 2026 FIFA World Cup is quickly approaching, with most nations announcing their final rosters over the past couple of weeks.
Alex Ovechkin, a well-known soccer fan, was recently asked during an interview for FONBET about his thoughts on the tournament. During the conversation, in which Ovechkin also revealed he will decide on his NHL future with the Washington Capitals in July, Russian soccer legends Vladislav Radimov, Dmitri Alenichev, Andrey Tikhonov, and Yegor Titov challenged the legendary winger to pick who he believes will come out on top this summer.
“Well, I have two teams – Brazil and Spain,” Ovechkin answered, per a transcription and translation by Twitter user @uggg_uggg. “I think, actually, France is also very good. But I’ll be rooting for Neymar because of that video of him being picked (for Brazil’s roster). It hit me right in the feels, like tears, and straight to my soul. So, that’s my choice.”
Brazilian winger Neymar, a modern soccer legend, was not considered a guarantee for his country’s roster despite playing for Brazil at the past three World Cups.
At 34 years old, with injury issues and after a move to his lesser domestic league, Neymar emotionally reacted to being chosen by manager Carlo Ancelotti. The clip went viral, clearly catching Ovechkin’s eye.
Neymar reacts to inclusion on Brazil’s World Cup roster
Ovechkin and Neymar have met in the past, taking a photo together and swapping signed jerseys after Brazil’s friendly match against El Salvador at FedEx Field in 2018.
Ovechkin’s two primary picks to win this year’s World Cup, Brazil and Spain, are expected to be favorites at the tournament alongside teams like France, England, Argentina, and Portugal. Argentina, which will have the legendary Lionel Messi on its roster again, is the defending champion.
The tournament, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, kicks off on June 11 and runs through July 19.
