[Saba Sports News] Having missed out on three consecutive World Cups, how do Italians feel watching the tournament from home? Which side will they root for with their passion? A recent poll has identified three world-class teams favored by most Italians: Argentina, Brazil and Portugal.
Ahead of the last World Cup, surveys by Italian media showed Argentina topped the support list. Many Italians see Argentinians as kin, and plenty hoped Lionel Messi could finally lift the trophy. This time around, the landscape has shifted. Argentina’s squad has grown noticeably older, greatly lowering the odds of Messi winning another title. Support for Portugal has risen sharply, thanks not only to Cristiano Ronaldo but also the team’s impressive overall lineup, featuring Vitinha Ferreira, Rúben Neves and Nuno Mendes — the former just claimed another Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain.
Brazil does not have an outstanding squad, yet its head coach Carlo Ancelotti is Italian, which strikes an emotional chord with local fans. Should Brazil reach the final, Ancelotti is likely to win over more compatriots.
In my view, the so-called “most favored teams” merely reflect media survey results and public sentiment, rather than a universal stance. Disappointment has left many Italian fans indifferent, while others have turned their attention to leagues like the Premier League. Earlier in 2026, the Canadian Football Federation launched a jersey exchange campaign to win support from Italian immigrants for the host nation. This is just a regional tactic and does not represent the views of people living in Italy.