If history repeats, Brazil will be crowned 2026 World Cup champion in the US

Brazil won the World Cup held in the US in 1994, defeating Italy in a penalty shootout in the final. If historical parallels hold true, Brazil should become champion again 32 years later, though this time an Italian is not their opponent but their team's coach.

On 17 July 1994, the final whistle of a World Cup tournament sounded in the US for the last time. Brazil won the final against Italy in a penalty shootout and was crowned world champion. Now, 32 years later, the World Cup is being held on US soil again, and historical parallels invite speculation that the story may repeat itself.

Most curiously, the Italians are not Brazil's main rival this time around, but rather their coach. Brazil's national team is led by an Italian, which makes the parallel drawn with 1994 particularly intriguing. The same nation, but in a completely different role.

Of course, football is an unpredictable sport and a historical coincidence does not guarantee success. The tournament is still underway and Brazil's path to the title awaits many strong opponents. That said, Brazil is one of the tournament favourites, and their fans genuinely believe in a sixth title.

If the 2026 World Cup final takes place on 19 July, that date would fall exactly 32 years and 2 days from Brazil's 1994 triumph. The football world is watching to see if fate has decided to repeat history.