A few hours before the 2026 World Cup begins, soccer is making its way into the dressing rooms of the Major Leagues, where several Latin American players change the conversations about batting average and effectiveness for a moment to share their predictions about the team that will win the most coveted title in this sport.
In a video shared by MLB en Español on its X account, players from different countries responded to a question that has dominated the conversations of millions of fans for weeks: which is their favorite to win the World Cup?
Puerto Rican Fernando Cruz, pitcher for the New York Yankees, did not hesitate to point out the winningest team in the history of the competition. “Brazil, Brazil, Brazil I think it is,” he said.
France also found support among the players. Panamanian catcher Iván Herrera, of the San Luis Cardinals, chose the current runner-up in the world with a brief answer. “World Cup, France.”
Venezuelan Luis Torrens, catcher for the New York Mets, admitted that his preference is divided between two European teams, one of them driven by the desire to see Cristiano Ronaldo win the top title at the national team level.
“I’m a little divided, I’m between Spain and obviously I also want Cristiano to be champion with Portugal, so well, let’s see what the cup brings,” he commented.
The Argentine team also found support among baseball players. Venezuelan outfielder Wilyer Abreu, of the Boston Red Sox, is confident that Argentina will win the title.
“I am a fan of Messi and I think he can win his second consecutive World Cup,” he said.
Another Venezuelan, Yohendrick Piñango, a Toronto Blue Jays prospect, acknowledged his sympathy for Brazil, although he believes that the trophy will end up in the hands of another team.
“I like Brazil, but France is going to win,” he said.
The most optimistic statement was that of Panamanian José Caballero, infielder for the New York Yankees, who took advantage of the occasion to express his support for his country’s team.
“We are Panamanians and we are going to win. We are going to give everything and hopefully the boys will do very well,” he stated.
Not everyone, however, was willing to reveal their preferences. Venezuelan Andrés Giménez, second baseman of the Toronto Blue Jays, preferred to remain reserved and responded with smiles:
“No, that’s private.”