As part of ZEE5’s English-language expert panel for FIFA World Cup coverage, former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia is closely monitoring all that’s happening in North America. In this interview with TOI, one of India’s greatest footballers discusses Argentina, Messi, Portugal, Ronaldo, and the best strikers at the greatest sporting spectacle on earth. Excerpts…What are your thoughts on a 48-team World Cup being held for the first time?From an Indian football fan perspective, I think it’s wonderful. Sometimes I wonder why FIFA didn’t have it during our time, handing eight spots for Asia. It gives India a chance to qualify in the future. Four countries are debuting at this World Cup and the scenario changes completely once you make it to the top. Being a pundit with ZEE5, it’s nightmare because you have to track so many teams and players.Do you see India qualify in your lifetime?It’s not impossible. We need long-term grassroots development (programme). Lot of grassroots events take place but it’s just for the sake of it; 15 days, sometimes a month, that’s it. We need to have kids playing throughout the year. They need to be training, competing. I think Vision 2047 (strategic roadmap launched by AIFF) is kept inside the drawer.The last World Cup was all about Argentina and Messi. Do you think 2026 can be about Ronaldo?Portugal has a very strong side. They will create chances and Ronaldo will have opportunities to score. I think he will score a few goals. We are all expecting this to be the last World Cup for Ronaldo and Messi. But if Portugal don’t win, I won’t be surprised if Ronaldo, with his commitment and focus on fitness, plays the next one too. I feel Portugal will play for Ronaldo, as Argentina did for Messi in Qatar. This is a great opportunity for Portugal to win because you’re playing in US, where the weather conditions are warm, quite similar to Portugal. The players will want to win the World Cup for Ronaldo.At 41, is Ronaldo a liability or does his presence help Portugal?He’s scoring goals, just won the league title with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and performing at a high level. He might not have the speed, stamina and reflexes from 10 years ago, but with the midfield that Portugal has, the best in the world, they will create chances for Ronaldo to score. Portugal needs Ronaldo to pounce on those chances. The team does not have a great finisher, like Ronaldo in his prime. There’s (Goncalo) Ramos, but he’s not in the same league. I think Ronaldo will start most games. He can still contribute, he has kept himself fit, and proved that he can still score.Who is your pick to become champions?At this World Cup, there are six to eight teams who are genuine contenders. You make them play against each other and you won’t be able to guess the result. Given the weather conditions in US, I think it suits Argentina and they can retain the World Cup they won four years ago. This World Cup will be dominated by teams with a midfield that can control and dictate. You can’t be chasing and running around the ball because the weather is not going to help.Everyone says France has the best squad…On paper, yes, but I don’t see France at the top because there are too many egos flying around. They don’t have a genuine centre forward. I am also not a big fan of (coach) Didier Deschamps, though he has won the World Cup. I feel he has a slightly defensive mindset.From among the younger players, is there anyone who excites you?Julian Alvarez is the one that can really dominate this year because Messi is not who he was four years ago. He has had a great season with Atletico Madrid.Can he win the Golden Boot?For that, my vote is for Harry Kane. He is one of the best strikers in the world right now. I would put him among the top five (of all time). He scored consistently with a team like Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, smashed records with Bayern Munich in Bundesliga. England has a great team. Even though the weather might prove to be a deterrent, they can go far.What about Norway and Erling Haaland?Everyone says they are the dark horses. They have top players in Haaland and Odegaard, but the weather will hold them back. I know for sure that weather conditions play a major role, I have experienced myself. Norway will find it difficult. To play in hot and humid conditions is very challenging.
