Brazil are set to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign looking to end a 24-year drought without lifting the trophy. Bruno Guimaraes addressed the widespread perception that his national team are not among the leading favorites and pointed to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/argentina/">Argentina </a>as an example.



“Argentina weren’t favorites at the last World Cup, and they won,” <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/bruno-guimaraes/">Guimaraes</a> said during a press conference this week when asked whether he believed Brazil could win the trophy despite their struggles in recent years and the team’s unconvincing performances.



However, the comparison with Argentina is open to debate. Four years ago, Lionel Messi and his teammates entered the 2022 World Cup as the reigning Copa America and Finalissima champions. They were playing convincing soccer and carried a 36-match unbeaten streak that ended in their opener against Saudi Arabia.



There was no unanimous agreement at the time regarding Argentina’s status as title contenders, but many observers did hold that view. By contrast, caution surrounding <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/brazil/">Brazil</a>‘s chances now appears to be more widespread and supported by tangible evidence.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/06/10142918/carlo-ancelotti-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-651556"><figcaption>Carlo Ancelloti, head coach of Brazil.</figcaption></figure>



Brazil finished fifth in the World Cup qualifiers, 10 points behind Argentina, after a turbulent cycle that included the departures of two head coaches before Carlo Ancelotti arrived last summer. Under the Italian manager, they have played 12 matches across official competitions and friendlies, recording seven wins, two draws and three losses.


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<h2>Guimaraes defends Brazil’s chances</h2>



At the same press conference, Bruno Guimaraes defended Brazil’s chances of competing for the title at the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup/">2026 FIFA World Cup</a>. He first pointed to the history and tradition of the national team. “No one has five stars on their chest,” he said, referring to Brazil’s record as the most successful team in World Cup history.



“We have great players shining at the best teams in the world, like Vini and Raphinha,” added the Newcastle midfielder while explaining his optimism about Brazil’s chances. “We must show proper respect to our players.”



<h2>Brazil face a tough challenge in their opener</h2>



As members of Group C, Brazil will be among the first teams to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. They will face Morocco on Saturday in a difficult test against a team that reached the semifinals in Qatar 2022 and finished as runners-up at the 2025 AFCON just a few months ago.



On paper, that will be Carlo Ancelotti’s team’s toughest challenge of the group stage. They will then face Haiti on Friday, June 19, before wrapping up that phase of the tournament five days later against Scotland.

‘Argentina weren’t favorites at the last World Cup, and they won’: Guimaraes defends Brazil’s 2026 hopes

'Argentina weren't favorites at the last World Cup, and they won': Guimaraes defends Brazil's 2026 hopes - World Soccer Talk

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Bruno Guimaraes was reportedly in talks to join Premier League giants <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/manchester-united/">Manchester United</a> in a multi-million-dollar deal, but the move could collapse due to Real Madrid emerging as a potential competitor.



“Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes,” Reuters reported, detailing a fee close to €80 million (approximately $92 million). “But renewed interest from Real Madrid threatens to complicate the proposed move.”



The Red Devils are searching for a midfielder who can fill the void left by Casemiro, whose contract expires on June 30 and who <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/brazil-star-casemiro-announces-manchester-united-departure-forever-red-devil/">has already stated he does not intend to renew for next season</a>.



In fact, the former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/">Real Madrid</a> midfielder is reportedly behind Manchester United’s interest in Bruno, whom he knows well from their time together with the Brazil national team. “Casemiro has personally recommended Guimaraes as his ideal successor, citing his experience and leadership,” Reuters added.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/03/03150229/Casemiro-1920x1080.webp" alt="Manchester United star Carlos Casemiro" class="wp-image-625586"><figcaption>Casemiro of Manchester United during a Premier League match.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Real Madrid also need midfield reinforcements</h2>



Just as Manchester United are set to lose Casemiro in the near future, Real Madrid are still looking to replace two legends who left the club in recent years: Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. Adding to that is the potential departure of Eduardo Camavinga, for whom Los Blancos are reportedly willing to listen to offers.


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“Guimaraes has long been admired by the Spanish side, dating back to the Carlo Ancelotti era. The Italian coach recommended him three years ago as a successor to Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in Real’s midfield and the player came close to joining the club,” Reuters reported.



That deal fell through in the summer of 2022, when Newcastle United paid more than $50 million to Olympique Lyonnais to sign the Brazilian midfielder. However, Guimaraes’ performances in the Premier League have reignited Real Madrid’s interest.



<h2>Guimaraes is a key piece for Brazil</h2>



Although the move to Newcastle United initially prevented Carlo Ancelotti from bringing <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/bruno-guimaraes/">Bruno Guimaraes</a> to Real Madrid, the two were reunited with the Brazil national team. Since taking charge in the summer of 2025, the coach has given the midfielder a prominent role in his squad.



Guimaraes has been included in every roster selected by Carlo Ancelotti since June of last year, across both World Cup qualifiers and subsequent friendlies. In fact, he has started all eight of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/brazil/">Brazil</a>’s matches during that span, recording one goal and two assists. That makes him one of the virtually certain names in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Manchester United’s $92M move for Brazil’S Guimaraes reportedly under threat from Real Madrid

Manchester United's $92M move for Brazil'S Guimaraes reportedly under threat from Real Madrid - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/newcastle/">Newcastle United</a> captain <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/bruno-guimaraes/">Bruno Guimarães</a> has addressed speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City and Arsenal, confirming a conversation with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.



Both <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/manchester-city">Manchester City</a> and Arsenal reportedly showed significant interest in Guimarães during the summer transfer window. However, Newcastle United successfully retained their star midfielder, a testament to both the player’s commitment and the club’s ambition.



Guardiola’s intentions to look for one more midfielder is due to the injury that brings Rodri out of the season. The Ballon d’Or winner also has offers from several top European clubs and could leave the club.



In an interview with Globo Esporte, Guimarães revealed details of his conversation with Guardiola, emphasizing his admiration for Newcastle: “I believe that at my club I am an idol, and I have a lot of respect. I am the captain of Newcastle, and if you had asked me three years ago, my biggest dream would have been to play in the Premier League. Playing, being an idol, being captain is something wonderful. I really like Newcastle.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/16022605/Bruno-Guimaraes-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-541864" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



Guimarães acknowledged the significance of the reported interest from Manchester City: “Of course, having Manchester City’s interest shows that I am at a high level, but it was nothing more than interest. I know that Guardiola likes my soccer. It is normal to have great coaches who admire your soccer. We have spoken once. I praised his work, he praised my work, but it was nothing more than that.”


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<h2>Long-term commitment to Newcastle</h2>



Guimarães’s comments strongly suggest a long-term commitment to Newcastle. He signed a new contract extension in October 2023, tying him to the club until 2028. This significantly strengthens Newcastle’s position in any future negotiations regarding the midfielder. 



The club’s ability to retain Guimarães is further enhanced by the fact that his £100 million release clause expired over the summer without being triggered.


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Newcastle’s success in keeping Guimarães involved strategic decisions regarding other players. To comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, the club opted to sell players such as Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson, ensuring that no breaches occurred. This suggests a well-planned approach to squad management and maintaining financial stability.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="801" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/16022602/imago1054154506-1200x801-1200x801.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-541865" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



Guimarães’s words leave little doubt regarding his current allegiance. His deep affection for the club, combined with his long-term contract, indicates that a move away from St. James’ Park is unlikely in the near future. His strong performance and leadership at Newcastle solidify his position as a key player, suggesting he’ll continue to contribute to the team’s progress for many years to come.

Pep Guardiola searches for Rodri's replacement at Manchester City within the Premier League

Pep Guardiola searches for Rodri's replacement at Manchester City within the Premier League - World Soccer Talk

Barcelona are reportedly already looking to part ways with superstar striker Robert Lewandowski. 



The Catalan club signed the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/poland-national-team-tv-schedule/">Poland</a> international back in the summer of 2022 for just under $50 million. Lewandowski lit up <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">LaLiga</a> by scoring 23 goals and adding seven assists during the 2022/23 season. He was even in the division’s Team of the Year as well.



However, the typically prolific striker has struggled in recent months with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barca</a>. In fact, the 35-year-old forward has managed to score in just two of his last 12 matches for the club. As a result, reports are now beginning to surface that Barca will attempt to sell their star in the summer.



<h2>Barcelona wants to bring Newcastle midfielder, Bruno Guimaraes, to Spain</h2>



<a href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2023/12/barcelona-transfer-news-bruno-guimaraes-newcastle-robert-lewandowski-jacque-talbot" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FootballTransfers</a> believe the Catalan side will make a bold move with their striker in order to fund a future signing. The news source reports that Barca needs to free up money in order to target <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/newcastle-united-tv-schedule/">Newcastle</a> midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian is widely seen as one of the top central midfielders in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> at the moment.



Although he did just sign a new five-year contract extension in October, Guimaraes is apparently not happy with his current club’s position at the moment. FootballTransfers also claims that the midfielder is upset Newcastle fell short in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a>. Not only did the Magpies fail in the competition, but they also could not even qualify for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/europa-league-tv-schedule/">Europa Leagu</a>e.



Guimaraes clearly aspires to play in the Champions League. If Newcastle cannot qualify for the elite tournament this year, he could make the decision to leave the club. The Magpies entered the weekend sitting seventh in the Premier League standings. However, they have managed to beat Fulham on Saturday to boost their place in the table.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="800" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/16051713/imago1038059705h-1200x800-1200x800.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-477840" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><figcaption>Bruno Guimaraes has been nothing short of stellar since arriving at Newcastle United from Lyon, but he is constantly being linked to the next step in his career, which is likely to be abroad.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Catalan club will have to sell in order to spend money in summer</h2>



Barca will likely have competition if the dynamic midfielder decides to test the transfer market at the end of the season. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">Paris Saint-Germain</a> previously attempted to pry Guimaraes away from Newcastle this past summer.



There is also concerns over the Catalan club’s current financial status. Barca is under strict restrictions from Spanish authorities regarding spending. The team has previously attempted to offset this precarious position by making a series of moves. This includes dealing players in the summer, selling pieces of Camp Nou turf, and offloading another chunk of its media arm, Barca Studies.



<h2>Lewandowski’s wife recently admitted that the couple is happy in Spain</h2>



Despite the decisions, Barca still has one of the highest wages bills in all of Europe. Lewandowski is currently the club’s second-highest earner at the moment. The striker’s form, along with his massive salary could very well motivate the club to sell. Nevertheless, the forward’s partner, Anna, recently proclaimed that the duo is content in Catalonia.



“For several months I have been working on opening a gym and a dance school in Barcelona, ​​where I have also been organizing sports championships,” Anna <a href="https://www.football-espana.net/2023/12/15/anna-lewandowska-drops-clues-for-future-path-of-struggling-barcelona-forward-robert-lewandowski" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> in a recent interview. 



“Now I try to be more spontaneous and enjoy the little moments. You could say that Catalonia is my place and I hope that we settle here and stay for a long time.”



Although they are clearly comfortable in Barcelona, the club may ultimately have other ideas in the summer of 2024.



Photo credits: IMAGO / Isosport : IMAGO / Pro Sports Images

Barcelona may sell star to fund move for Newcastle midfielder

Barcelona are reportedly ready to offload Robert Lewandowski in order to sign Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes

Reports indicate that Bruno Guimaraes and Newcastle United have reached an agreement on a new deal with a release clause.



Since joining the club in January 2022, Guimaraes has been nothing short of spectacular. It didn’t take much time for him to become an immediate fan favorite and the driving force behind Eddie Howe’s successful side.



Since rising to prominence in the Premier League, the 25-year-old has attracted renewed attention from teams like <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a>, and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a>.



Despite the Reds making an ambitious club-record offer of $122 million for Bruno, they were unsuccessful, as per Spanish newspaper&nbsp;<a href="https://as.com/futbol/internacional/los-noes-al-liverpool-en-verano-caicedo-andre-bruno-guimaraes-n/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AS</a>. Earlier this year Chelsea were also linked to the Brazilian.



<h2>Bruno Guimaraes makes decision on his future</h2>



Also, after bringing in Sandro Tonali from AC Milan, who quickly became one of the highest-paid players on the roster, the Magpies have made it a major priority to extend the Brazilian’s contract.



As a result, Bruno Guimaraes has apparently decided to extend his contract with the English side by five more years. He is said to be dedicated to the revitalized side that just returned to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/newcastle-unveils-ucl-squad-featuring-unexpected-addition-20230906-WST-454243.html">UEFA Champions League</a> this week <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/newcastle-holds-milan-to-draw-in-first-ucl-game-in-20-years-20230919-WST-457129.html">after a 20-year absence.</a>



<h2>There is one problem – A release clause</h2>



Fabrizio Romano claims that the parties have finally reached an agreement after months of contract negotiations. The Italian reporter claims that Guimaraes has agreed to remain at St. James’ Park until 2028, with a $122 million release clause.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle agree new deal with Bruno Guimarães, here we go! It’s done — contract until June 2028 🚨⚪️⚫️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NUFC</a> ⚠️ Key detail: understand the new deal will include release clause and it will be in the region of £100m. Bruno, so happy to extend as he loves the club. <a href="https://t.co/YI8CaCyeVs">pic.twitter.com/YI8CaCyeVs</a>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1705520852333150694?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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It will likely give <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/newcastle-united-tv-schedule/">Newcastle</a> peace of mind that they won’t have to accept an offer that’s too low. In fact, anybody keeping tabs on the market will know that this is a fair price for a first-rate midfielder.



His current deal with the club runs until the summer of 2026. However, the Brazil international wants new terms after making such a big impression since arriving. This new contract of his will also increase his salary.



Photo credit: IMAGO &amp; Sportimage

Guimaraes commits to new Newcastle deal with release clause

Newcastle have secured the future of Bruno Guimaraes as Brazilian agreed to an extension with release clause

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