'I want Ronaldo to lift the trophy': I.M. Vijayan picks Portugal for 2026 World Cup

Former captain of the Indian national football team, I.M. Vijayan has backed Portugal to win the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying he wants Cristiano Ronaldo to finally lift the major trophy missing from his career. With the tournament set to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Vijayan believes it could mark the final World Cup appearance of global stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Speaking to PTI, Vijayan said football fans may never again witness a World Cup featuring so many iconic players together. While describing himself as a long-time Argentina supporter, he said he hopes Ronaldo follows Messi's path and completes his trophy collection with a World Cup win.

Vijayan added that teams such as Argentina, England, the Netherlands, Japan and Morocco could also emerge as strong contenders in the expanded 48-team tournament. He also expects a new generation of football stars to emerge and revealed plans to attend his seventh FIFA World Cup in the United States.