GOALKEEPER

Kaka has opted for Brazil’s Alisson Becker in goal. The stopper is a vastly experienced player who has won Champions League and Premier League titles with Liverpool.

“It’s important to have a very good goalkeeper,” explains Kaka. “To be a good goalkeeper in a very important moment, it’s really important to be confident, to be calm and I think Alisson has these characteristics.”

DEFENDING

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and Brazil’s Marquinhos are the two picks in defence. “You need to think faster than the attacker, Marquinhos has this quality,” explains Kaka. “Hakimi has a different role, he’s a leader as well. The right back is a position that’s really difficult, you need to defend but you are part of the attack. He understands the game really well.”

CREATIVITY

As one of the best playmakers to have graced the game, Kaka knows all about creativity and expects Barcelona and Spain forward Lamine Yamal to shine.

“I love the fact that he can create the action in his mind and then he has the ability to execute it,” explains Kaka. “He’s also very young, it seems that he’s playing with his friends. This is something that I really like.”

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham also gets the nod, with Kaka admitting he sees similarities between himself and the England midfielder: “He’s very dynamic, trying to create spaces for team-mates, he can also arrive in the box to score goals.”

The duo are joined by yet another PSG star in Vitinha. Portugal’s midfield maestro has developed into one of the best midfielders in the world and is known for his ability to dictate the play and take control of games.

ATTACKING

France are among the favourites for World Cup 2026 due to their attacking power, with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele in Kaka’s top 10. The Brazilian has highlighted how Mbappe’s strengths make him a special player.

“I really like the way he plays, his strength, the power, the quality, already two World Cup finals, won one,” he says. “When you have this kind of pressure and you can perform as well, that makes a player really special.”

Brazil attackers Vinicius Jr and Raphinha complete the list, and Kaka has high hopes the Real Madrid man can play a starring role. “When you have this quality to run fast with the ball, it’s an ability that is really important,” he says. “He can help Brazil be a success at this World Cup. He will be one of Brazil’s best players, that’s for sure.”