With just 11 days remaining until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a prediction from a self-proclaimed psychic who correctly forecast three consecutive World Cup champions has once again captured the attention of football fans around the world. Brazilian clairvoyant Michael Bruno, widely known in his home country as the "World Cup Psychic," built his reputation by correctly predicting Spain's triumph in 2010, Germany's victory in 2014, and France's success in 2018. While he missed the mark in 2022 after backing France to retain the trophy, his latest forecast has quickly gone viral ahead of the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Psychic Who Predicted Spain, Germany, and France Now Backs Portugal
Bruno first gained widespread attention when he predicted Spain would win the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, a forecast that came true when Andres Iniesta scored the extra-time winner against the Netherlands in the final. He then correctly tipped Germany to triumph in Brazil in 2014 before accurately forecasting France's victory over Croatia at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Although his 2022 prediction proved incorrect after he backed France to defeat Brazil in the final and win back-to-back titles, the tournament instead ended with Argentina lifting the trophy after beating France on penalties in Qatar. Now, ahead of the 2026 edition, Bruno has once again identified his favorite. Speaking to Globo Esporte, he said: "Since 2022, I've been announcing the next champion team. Since then, I've been stating that Portugal will be the world champion." According to Bruno, Portugal will defeat Spain in the final, with Cristiano Ronaldo emerging as the standout player of the tournament.
Ronaldo's Final World Cup Dream Gains Another Believer
Portugal have never won the FIFA World Cup despite producing generations of elite talent, and the 2026 tournament is widely expected to be Ronaldo's final opportunity to lift football's biggest prize. Bruno believes Roberto Martinez's side is the strongest candidate to end that wait and pointed to the depth of talent available to Portugal alongside their veteran captain. He identified France, Spain, England, Argentina, Portugal, and Brazil as the main contenders for the title but ultimately believes Portugal are best positioned to go all the way. Portugal have already confirmed their 26-man World Cup squad, with Ronaldo joined by a host of established stars including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto, Ruben Dias, and Nuno Mendes. The squad announcement also featured some notable omissions, with West Ham midfielder Matheus Fernandes and Tottenham midfielder Joao Palhinha left out by Martinez.
Messi and Argentina Tipped for Quarter-Final Exit
While Bruno sees Portugal reaching the summit, he does not expect defending champions Argentina to make another run to the final. The Brazilian predicted that Lionel Messi's side will be eliminated in the quarter-finals, although he did not reveal which nation would knock them out, noting that the outcome depends on the tournament bracket. Argentina enter the tournament as reigning world champions after defeating France in the dramatic 2022 final and remain among the favorites to retain the trophy.
Neymar Concerns Remain as Brazil Prediction Made
Bruno also expressed concerns about Brazil's chances, particularly regarding Neymar's fitness. The Santos forward was included in Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man World Cup squad despite currently recovering from a calf injury that is expected to keep him out of Brazil's pre-tournament friendlies and potentially place his participation in the opening match in doubt. Discussing Neymar's situation, Bruno told Globo Esporte: "I don't think Neymar is 100% ready to play in this World Cup. And if he plays, once again, the national team will be eliminated before the semi-finals, because the team will revolve around him, repeating the tactical mistake of 2022." Bruno therefore believes Brazil will fall short of the semi-finals, while Portugal will complete what would be the greatest achievement in their football history. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, with Ronaldo potentially getting one final chance to lead Portugal to a first-ever world title.
