The former AC Milan playmaker and 2002 World Cup winner believes the expanded tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, could mark the return of Brazil to the summit of world football.
Speaking in an interview with The Athletic, Kaka tipped Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal to emerge as the standout performer of the competition. The teenager has enjoyed a remarkable rise in recent years, establishing himself as one of football's brightest talents despite his young age.
Kaka believes Yamal has all the qualities required to shine on the biggest stage and expects the winger to play a decisive role for Spain during the tournament.
The Brazilian legend also singled out Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti for special praise, predicting that the Italian tactician could be named the tournament's best coach.
Ancelotti, who recently took charge of the Selecao, is preparing for his first major international competition after a highly successful managerial career at club level. The veteran coach has won multiple league titles and UEFA Champions League crowns, and Kaka believes his experience could prove vital to Brazil's ambitions.
When asked to predict the eventual winners of the competition, Kaka did not hesitate in backing his homeland to claim a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
The 43-year-old also made a bold prediction concerning the United States Men's National Team, forecasting a deep run for one of the tournament's co-hosts.
“For me, the US Men’s National Team will reach the semi-finals,” Kaka said.
Should that prediction come to pass, it would represent one of the greatest achievements in the history of American soccer and surpass the country's recent World Cup performances.
Reflecting on his own experiences at the global showpiece, Kaka named France's 2006 World Cup squad as the toughest opposition he faced during his international career. That French side, inspired by Zinedine Zidane, reached the final before losing to Italy on penalties.
As anticipation builds ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Kaka's predictions have added further excitement to discussions surrounding the tournament, with fans eager to see whether Brazil can reclaim the crown and whether young stars such as Yamal can live up to the growing expectations.